While there is already a multitude of options for on-campus housing, the University plans to offer students even more residential choices upon the conclusion of the current construction project.

During the spring 2013 semester, the University’s Board of Trustees approved and launched a construction project. The project includes the building of both academic as well as residential space, two core priorities of the Campus Master Plan that guides University construction.

Associate Vice President of Facilities Dennis Hawley ’72, M ’73 oversees the design and construction projects of the University.

“The current construction project will provide apartment style living for 344 students in four buildings forming a new quad. Based upon student input, the apartments have four single bedrooms, a kitchen with full size appliances, lounge and ‘Gateway’-styled bathroom area, with the shower and toilet each in separate rooms and two sinks. There are four distinct floor plans, providing some variety in living arrangements. The ground floor of each building has three apartments, plus an RA/RD apartment with two bedrooms, a vending area, public restrooms, a large lounge and a covered outdoor patio. The three upper floors have six apartments each as well as a laundry room. Elevators are provided in each building, as well as accessible living accommodations.”

The buildings will be located along South Campus Drive and Strohecker Farm Lane on the uphill side of campus behind Bertrand Library and Academic West. The buildings’ capacity of 344 upperclassmen will allow an estimated 300 students to live on-campus instead of in downtown residencies. This furthers the University’s commitment to on-campus housing.

The project includes more than just new living spaces. Students will also be able to enjoy a new common space.

“A fifth building located between the apartments and Academic West will provide a student managed ‘common‘ space that includes a large multi-purpose room, media/game room, two conference rooms, a printing station and a small café/dining venue with casual seating for about 90 people,” Hawley said. “The outdoor area will include a recreation basketball court, sand volleyball court and open recreation lawn space.”

While the construction of this project is still underway, the University looks forward to future plans.

“There is also room for a second phase of housing south of the current project,” Hawley said. 

The new facilities are expected to open in the fall 2015 semester. According to Hawley, construction is on schedule.

“Each selection was deliberate to create and foster student interaction and connectivity: cornerstones in a residential community,” Associate Dean of Students Dan Remley said.

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There are lots of cool spots on campus and downtown, but what about in our residence halls? As housing selection approaches for many of us, we’re giving you the low-down on some of the hidden gems in each campus living space. Spacious study lounges, great kitchens, and even a ping-pong table lounge … who knew?! Read on to learn more about these alternative hangout and study spots that provide a much-needed break from the Bison, Bertrand Library, or Student Space.

LATEST RESIDENCE HALL UPDATES:

• Vedder has a new common kitchen built this past summer
• Kress will have a renovated kitchen next year
• About 35-40 televisions in all the residence hall lounges were upgraded via Residential Education to flat panel televisions
• In working with Bucknell Student Governement (BSG), the Mods have a lounge and printing space in Mod 22
• Lights were added to the uphill basketball court and the volleyball court behind Vedder
• All residential buildings have laundry facilities except two small houses (Taylor House and Martin House)

THE BEST OF THE REST:

Public Study Areas:

• Mod 22
• Harris Hall
• Hunt Hall
• Kress Hall
• McDonnell Hall
• Smith Hall
• Swartz Hall
• Trax Hall
• Vedder Hall

Kitchens:

• Harris Hall
• Hunt Hall
• Larison Cottage
• McDonnell Hall
• Smith Hall
• Swartz Hall
• Trax Hall
• Vedder Hall

Public Computer Labs:

• Mod 22
• Gateway – Roser
• Larison Hall/Larison Cottage
• Smith Hall

TV Lounges:

• Harris Hall
• Kress Hall
• Larison Hall/Larison Cottage
• McDonnell Hall
• Smith Hall
• Swartz Hall
• Trax Hall
• Vedder Hall

Common Areas:

• Harris Hall
• Kress Hall
• Larison Hall/Larison Cottage
• McDonnell Hall
• Roberts Hall
• Smith Hall
• Swartz Hall
• Trax Hall
• Vedder Hall

Laundry Rooms:

• Mod 22
• Harris Hall
• Hunt Hall
• Kress Hall
• Larison Hall/Larison Cottage
• McDonnell Hall
• Roberts Hall
• Smith Hall
• Swartz Hall
• Trax Hall
• Vedder Hall

Other Cool Features:

• Larison Hall and Swartz Hall both have game room lounges complete with ping-pong tables, furniture, and other game tables.
• In Hunt Hall, large meeting spaces like Hunt Formal and Hunt Basement make it easy for friends to get together for group projects or hangout sessions, as long as Greek chapters are not using those spaces for meetings.
• Many of the computer labs include printers–perfect for finishing up those last-minute assignments or printing out readings before class.
• The McDonnell “Ski Lounge” features game tables, comfortable couches, and a huge flat-screen television. Right next to the Ski Lounge are seminar rooms perfect for studying or late-night jam sessions with friends. 
  
• The Vedder “Pit” features a pool table, vending machines, couches, and lots of high-top tables and chairs for studying and relaxing.