The Real Tea on Davidson College Dorms: A Student's Unofficial Guide
Hey everyone! If you’re reading this, you’re probably either a nervous pre-frosh trying to figure out where you’ll be living for the next year, or maybe you're just a curious soul wondering what life is really like inside the dorms at Davidson College. Whatever your reason, you've come to the right place. I’m here to give you the unofficial, no-holds-barred rundown on the best dorms at Davidson, especially for your all-important freshman year.
Let’s be honest, the official descriptions on the college website are great for telling you how many rooms a building has or when it was built, but they don’t give you the student perspective. They won't tell you which dorm is known for its social vibe, which one has the biggest rooms, or where you're most likely to forge those lifelong friendships everyone talks about. That’s what I’m here for.
So, grab a cup of coffee (or whatever your beverage of choice is), get comfy, & let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of Davidson housing.
The Freshman Experience: Where Will You Land?
First things first, as a freshman at Davidson, you don’t get to choose your dorm. The Residence Life Office (RLO) assigns you a room & a roommate. While you can preference a specific roommate, you can't pick your hall. This might sound a little scary, but honestly, it's part of the Davidson experience. It forces you to meet people you might not have otherwise, & it’s a big part of how you’ll build your initial friend group.
All first-year students are placed in one of four dorms: Belk, Richardson, Sentelle, or Watts. Each has its own unique personality & reputation on campus. The great news is that ALL freshman dorms at Davidson have sinks in the rooms, which is a game-changer. You don't have to stumble down the hall in your PJs just to brush your teeth or wash your face. It's a small luxury, but it's one you'll come to appreciate.
Now, let's break down the big four.
Belk Hall: The Social Hub
If you’re looking to meet a TON of people right off the bat, Belk is the place to be. It’s the largest residence hall on campus, housing a whopping 334 students, & a significant portion of the freshman class lives here. Because of its size, the halls in Belk are pretty large, so you might not get to know every single person on your floor. But, you'll definitely find your people. It’s almost impossible not to.
The Vibe: Belk is known for being social & lively. With so many freshmen in one place, there's always something going on. The floors are co-ed, split in half with girls on one side & guys on the other. This co-ed setup contributes to the social atmosphere & makes it easy to hang out with friends of all genders.
The Rooms: The rooms in Belk are pretty average in size for a college dorm. They’re not huge, but they’re definitely big enough for you & your roommate to coexist peacefully. You’ll have the standard-issue desk, chair, dresser, & wardrobe.
The Amenities: Belk has a lot to offer. There are lounges on each floor, two laundry rooms (a lifesaver on a busy Sunday), & a kitchen. It also houses the Lavender Lounge & a Quiet Study Space, which is a nice perk if you need to escape the social scene for a bit.
The Downside: The sheer size of Belk can be a double-edged sword. While it’s great for meeting people, it can also feel a bit overwhelming at times. If you're looking for a super tight-knit hall community where you know everyone's name, Belk might not be the perfect fit.
Sentelle Hall: "Hotel Sentelle"
Now, if you hit the housing lottery & end up in Sentelle, consider yourself lucky. This dorm has earned the nickname "Hotel Sentelle" for a reason. The rooms are SUPER nice & spacious. We're talking gigantic rooms with hardwood floors, large windows, & plenty of space for all your stuff.
The Vibe: Sentelle has a more relaxed & close-knit feel than Belk. The halls are single-gender, which some people prefer. Because the halls are smaller, you’ll get to know your hallmates really well, & they often become like a second family.
The Rooms: As I mentioned, the rooms are the main draw here. They are significantly larger than the rooms in other freshman dorms. The hardwood floors are a nice touch & make the rooms feel a little more upscale.
The Amenities: Sentelle has a lounge on each of its five floors & a laundry room on the first floor. Each floor has a large TV lounge, which is great for movie nights or just hanging out.
The Downside: The single-gender halls might not be for everyone. Also, while the halls are close-knit, some students say they aren't quite as tight as the halls in Richardson.
Richardson Hall: Small Rooms, Big Hearts
Richardson is a bit of a paradox. The rooms are notoriously tiny, but the students who live there absolutely LOVE it. It’s a classic case of what you lose in personal space, you gain in community.
The Vibe: Richardson is all about the hall community. Because the rooms are so small, students spend a lot of time in the lounges & common areas, which leads to incredibly close-knit halls. The floors are co-ed, which also contributes to the social & friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for that classic, ride-or-die freshman hall experience, Richardson is where it's at.
The Rooms: Okay, let's be real, the rooms are small. You & your roommate will have to get creative with your storage solutions. But hey, it's a great lesson in minimalism, right?
The Amenities: Richardson is a five-floor building with an elevator, which is a nice perk. It’s also located near Vail Commons, the main dining hall, which is SUPER convenient. Each floor has a TV lounge, and there are both common and private bathrooms.
The Downside: The small room size is the most obvious drawback. If you’re someone who needs a lot of personal space, Richardson might be a tough adjustment.
Watts Hall: The Best of Both Worlds?
Watts is a bit of a hidden gem. It's not as well-known as the other three, but it has a lot to offer. It’s been described as having the spacious rooms of Sentelle without being quite as new or renovated.
The Vibe: The halls in Watts are single-gender & tend to be pretty close-knit, similar to Sentelle. Because it’s a smaller dorm, housing only 77 students, you’ll get to know your hallmates well. It’s a great option if you want a strong sense of community but also appreciate having a bit more personal space.
The Rooms: The rooms in Watts are spacious, on par with Sentelle. They might not have the brand-new feel of "Hotel Sentelle," but you'll have plenty of room to spread out.
The Amenities: Watts is a four-floor dorm with a lounge on each floor and a laundry in the basement. It’s a pretty standard setup, but it has everything you need.
The Downside: Watts is a bit less renovated than some of the other dorms, which might be a turn-off for some students.
What About Upperclassmen?
Once you make it through freshman year, a whole new world of housing options opens up. Returning students select their housing & roommates through a lottery system that takes place in the spring semester. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the popular upperclassmen dorms:
Chidsey Hall: This is one of the newest & nicest dorms on campus. It’s comprised of two towers, North & South, with an elevator in each. The rooms are modern, & there are plenty of lounges & study rooms. Chidsey also has a fitness center, a basketball court, and an outdoor patio area.
Cannon Hall: Located in the middle of "dorm row," Cannon is a popular choice for sophomores. It has a great location & a classic dorm feel. Two community kitchens were recently added to the basement, which is a HUGE plus.
Little Residence Hall: Some students might overlook Little, but it’s actually a great place to live, especially for sophomores. It’s tucked away from the main hustle and bustle of campus, offering a more chill & quiet environment.
Tomlinson Hall: If you're looking for a suite-style living arrangement, Tomlinson is a great option. It’s made up of suites & quads, each with its own common area & bathroom.
Martin Court Apartments: For juniors & seniors who want a little more independence, the Martin Court Apartments are a popular choice. These apartments have single bedrooms, a kitchen, a common area, & a bathroom. It’s the closest you’ll get to off-campus living while still being on campus.
The Little Things That Matter
Beyond the specific dorms, there are a few other things you should know about living at Davidson.
- Laundry: All residence halls have laundry facilities, so you won’t have to drag your dirty clothes across campus.
- Internet & Cable: Every room has wireless internet & cable TV.
- Furniture: All rooms come with the basics: an extra-long twin bed, a dresser, a desk, a chair, & a closet or wardrobe.
The Parking Situation
Now, let's talk about something that can be a major headache at any college: parking. If you're bringing a car to campus, you'll need to figure out where to park it. While Davidson has on-campus parking, it can sometimes be a bit of a challenge to find a convenient spot, especially near the dorms.
This is where a service like Prked can be a total lifesaver. Prked connects you with local homeowners who are renting out their driveways & garages for parking. It’s a pretty cool way to find a convenient & affordable parking spot that’s close to campus. You can find a spot in a private driveway just a short walk from your dorm, which is SO much better than circling a crowded parking lot for 20 minutes.
What If You Need More Space?
College life often comes with a surprising amount of stuff. Whether you're moving in, moving out, or just accumulating more things than you have room for, finding extra storage space can be a real struggle.
And let's be real, a dorm room isn't exactly a palace of storage. If you find yourself running out of space for your seasonal clothes, sports equipment, or that extra beanbag chair you just had to buy, Prked can help with that too. It's not just for parking. You can also use Prked to find affordable & convenient storage solutions. People rent out their empty garages, attics, basements, & even closets. It's a great way to find a secure place to store your extra belongings without having to pay for a traditional storage unit.
The Bottom Line
Honestly, no matter where you end up living your freshman year at Davidson, you're going to have an amazing experience. Each dorm has its own unique charm & community, & you'll find your place no matter what. The most important thing is to go in with an open mind, be willing to put yourself out there, & embrace the experience.
I hope this was helpful in giving you a better idea of what to expect from dorm life at Davidson. It’s a really special place, & the relationships you build in your residence hall will be a huge part of your college journey. Let me know what you think, & good luck with your housing assignment
