Decoding Swarthmore's Dorms: An Insider's Guide to Campus Living
Hey everyone, if you’re heading to Swarthmore College, you’re probably wondering about one of the most crucial parts of the college experience: the dorms. Where you live can shape your social life, your study habits, & even your daily walk to class. I’ve spent a good deal of time getting the inside scoop on Swarthmore’s housing scene, & I’m here to break it all down for you.
First things first, let's get one major point out of the way: freshmen don't get to pick their dorms. I know, I know, you’ve probably been scrolling through the college website, eyeing that one dorm that looks like it was plucked straight out of a movie set (I’m looking at you, Wharton). But Swarthmore uses a housing survey to match you with a roommate & a dorm. So, while you can't choose your exact address for your first year, you can get a sense of what to expect from each of the residential communities. & honestly, part of the fun is the surprise of finding out where you'll be living.
About 95% of students live on campus all four years, so the dorms are a HUGE part of the Swat experience. Each one has its own unique personality, & you'll find a mix of class years in most buildings, which is pretty cool for getting to know upperclassmen right away.
So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty of what it's like to live in each of Swarthmore's dorms.
The "Big Names" on Campus: A Rundown of the Major Dorms
Willets Hall: The Social Hub
If there's one dorm that's practically synonymous with freshman year, it's Willets. This place is known for being incredibly social, & since it's made up almost entirely of doubles, it's packed with first-years. This makes it a fantastic place to meet people & build a strong sense of community. They're known for hosting weekend dinners, game nights, & movie nights.
Now, for the real talk. Willets can get HOT, especially at the beginning of the fall semester. There's no A/C, so a good fan is your best friend. Some students have also mentioned pest problems, like mice & cockroaches, but hey, it's a shared experience that can lead to some serious bonding with your hallmates. Despite its "crusty" reputation, many students look back on their time in Willets with a strange sort of fondness. It's a rite of passage for many Swatties.
Wharton Hall: The Hogwarts of Swarthmore
You can't miss Wharton. It's the stunning, stone building that looks like it belongs on a postcard. It's often compared to Hogwarts, & for good reason. The courtyard is beautiful, & the views of the Crum Woods are incredible. The rooms, especially the doubles, are known for being spacious, & it's one of the few places with three-room quads.
Wharton has a reputation for being a bit quieter than Willets, making it a good spot for "outgoing introverts." It's not a huge party dorm, but it's still social. The location is also a major plus, as it's close to the athletic center, the student-run performance space, & the main academic buildings.
The downsides? No A/C, which can be rough in the warmer months. Being one of the oldest dorms on campus, it's also had its share of pest issues. And, according to a recent Reddit post, it's currently under construction, so that's something to keep in mind.
The Dana/Danawell/Hallowell Trio: Three Dorms in One
This is a pretty unique setup. Dana, Danawell, & Hallowell are three separate dorms that are all connected internally. This means you get access to three times the amenities, including kitchens, laundry rooms, & lounges.
Danawell: This is the most modern of the three & has the coveted prize of AIR CONDITIONING. It's also got an elevator & a lounge with a foosball table. The rooms are mostly doubles for first-years & sophomores, with some singles for upperclassmen. One potential downside is that it's a bit of a walk to get to the main part of campus.
Dana & Hallowell: These two have more of a classic, old-school dorm feel. They've got gorgeous bay windows with window seats & some lovely views of the woods or the courtyard. They are known for being social hubs & can be a bit loud at times. The bathrooms, however, have a reputation for not being the best. It's also worth noting that Hallowell has a substance-free floor, & Dana has an all-female floor, so you might be placed here if you indicate those preferences on your housing survey.
Parrish Hall: The Heart of Campus
You literally can't get more central than Parrish. The top two floors of this iconic building are dorms, while the bottom two are administrative offices. This gives it a bit of a weird vibe for some students, but you can't beat the location. The rooms are spacious, & the building was recently renovated to include A/C. It also has a massive lounge, a ping-pong table, a piano room, & a drawing room.
The main drawback, aside from living above the administration, is that the laundry room is in the basement, which some students have described as "reeking of possible asbestos & mildew." Yikes. But if location is your number one priority, Parrish is hard to beat.
Mertz Hall: The All-Arounder
Mertz is a solid choice for a number of reasons. It has A/C, which is a HUGE plus. The rooms are spacious, the bathrooms are cleaner than in some of the older dorms, & it was recently renovated with new flooring & updated kitchens. It's also in a great location, close to the library, the dining hall, & other key campus buildings. Mertz houses students from all four years, fostering a nice sense of community. Some doubles can be on the smaller side, & some students have mentioned a "weird smell" at times, but overall, Mertz is a popular & well-liked dorm.
The "New Kids on the Block": Modern Living
Alice Paul Hall & David Kemp Hall (AP & DK): The Newest Additions
These are the newest dorms on campus, & it shows. They're modern, with high ceilings, A/C, & an elevator. They're also designated as allergy-accommodation dorms. Because they're on the newer side, some students feel they lack the "homey" feel of the older dorms. They're also a bit of a walk down the hill from the main part of campus, but they're super close to the train station & "the Ville" (Swarthmore's downtown area). If you're looking for modern amenities & don't mind a bit of a walk, AP & DK are great options.
The "Quirky & Charming" Dorms: For a Different Vibe
Worth Hall: The Castle with a Courtyard
Worth has a very distinct, "castle-like" vibe, with its stone towers & twisting hallways. The courtyard is a major hub of campus life & is where the annual Worthstock music festival is held. One of the big perks of Worth is that the bathrooms are semi-private & gender-inclusive. It's also known for its social life.
On the downside, Worth has a reputation for being a bit "crummy" & has had issues with mold. There's also no A/C. The laundry situation isn't ideal either, as there's only one laundry room for the entire dorm, & you might have to go outside to get to it.
Woolman Hall: The Off-Campus Feel, On-Campus
If you're looking for something that feels more like a house than a dorm, Woolman is your place. It's a small community of about 14 students, with a great kitchen & large double rooms. It's a bit of a walk from some parts of campus, but it's close to the science buildings. This is a great option for students who want a tighter-knit community feel.
Let's Talk Logistics: Parking & Storage
Now, let's touch on a couple of things that aren't directly related to the dorms themselves but are still a big part of campus life: parking & storage.
Having a car on campus can be a game-changer, especially if you want to explore Philly or the surrounding areas. But let's be real, campus parking can be a nightmare. It's often limited & expensive. This is where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. Prked connects you with homeowners in the area who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It can be a MUCH more affordable & convenient option than trying to find a spot on campus.
The same goes for storage. Whether you're moving in from across the country & have extra stuff you don't want to cram into your dorm room, or you need a place to store your belongings over the summer, finding affordable & convenient storage can be a hassle. Prked also offers a pretty cool solution for this. You can rent out space in someone's garage, attic, basement, or even a closet. It's a great way to find a secure spot for your things without having to deal with traditional storage units.
So, What's the "Best" Dorm at Swarthmore?
Honestly, there's no single "best" dorm at Swarthmore. It really comes down to what you're looking for.
- If you're a social butterfly who wants to be in the heart of the action: Willets is probably your jam.
- If you're looking for a quieter, more academic vibe with a touch of old-world charm: Wharton is a great fit.
- If you're all about modern amenities & can't live without A/C: Danawell, Mertz, Alice Paul, or David Kemp are your best bets.
- If you want a central location & don't mind sharing a building with the administration: Parrish is the place to be.
- If you're looking for a tight-knit community feel: Woolman or one of the smaller dorms might be perfect for you.
No matter where you end up, remember that your dorm is just one part of your Swarthmore experience. Each one has its own unique quirks & charms, & you'll find a community wherever you go. The most important thing is to embrace the experience, get to know your hallmates, & make the most of your time at Swat.
I hope this was helpful in giving you a better sense of what to expect from Swarthmore's dorms. Let me know what you think, & good luck with your housing assignment
