The Real Tea: What Are the Best Dorms at Pomona College?
So, you’re headed to Pomona College – congrats! Now comes the REALLY hard part: figuring out where you’re going to live. If you’ve been scrolling through endless forums & official-looking websites, you’ve probably realized that asking “what’s the best dorm at Pomona?” is a loaded question. The truth is, the “best” dorm is totally subjective & depends on what you’re looking for. Are you a social butterfly who wants to be in the heart of the action? Or are you looking for a quiet sanctuary to study & chill?
As someone who has spent a LOT of time navigating the ins & outs of Pomona’s housing, I’m here to give you the real scoop. We’ll break down the different dorms, the North vs. South Campus debate, & everything in between. By the end of this, you’ll have a much better idea of which dorm is the perfect fit for you.
The North vs. South Campus Lowdown
First things first, you need to understand the basic layout of Pomona’s campus. It’s unofficially divided into North Campus & South Campus, with 6th Street as the dividing line. Here’s what you need to know:
South Campus: This is where most first-years & sophomores live. It’s closer to the Claremont Village, which is super convenient for grabbing food or running errands. You’ll also be near two of the dining halls, the theatre & arts building, & the recreational pool. South Campus is known for being more social & having a classic “college” feel.
North Campus: This is typically where you’ll find juniors & seniors. It’s closer to the other Claremont Colleges, which is great if you’re taking classes at Harvey Mudd or another one of the 5Cs. North Campus has a more independent, apartment-like feel, with many of the dorms offering suites & singles.
First-Year Life: Sponsor Groups & Finding Your Crew
One of the coolest things about being a first-year at Pomona is the sponsor group system. You’ll be placed in a small group of fellow first-years with two sophomore mentors, called “sponsors.” These aren’t like RAs who are there to enforce the rules; they’re more like cool older siblings who can help you navigate the transition to college life. Your sponsor group will live together in the same hall, so you’ll have a built-in community from day one. It’s a HUGE part of the first-year experience & something that makes Pomona’s housing pretty unique.
A Deep Dive into the Dorms: Finding Your Perfect Match
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the dorms themselves. I’ll give you the rundown on some of the most popular options, from the historic & charming to the modern & sleek.
For the Social Butterfly Who Wants That Classic College Experience:
Harwood Court: If you’re looking for a tight-knit community & don’t mind a little bit of history, Harwood is the place to be. It’s one of the oldest dorms on campus, & what it lacks in modern amenities (read: no AC), it makes up for in charm. The rooms are all unique, with some featuring cool quirks like patios, connecting rooms, & even bathtubs. Harwood is known for having some of the most spirited sponsor groups, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to make friends fast. The lack of AC can be a bit rough in August & September, but a good fan will get you through.
Mudd-Blaisdell: This is the largest residence hall on South Campus, housing over 280 students, mostly first-years. If you want to be in the center of it all, this is a great choice. It’s got a big grassy courtyard that’s perfect for hanging out, plus two large lounges, kitchens, & even a sun deck on the roof. The rooms are a mix of singles, doubles, & triples, so you’ll have plenty of options.
For the Student Who Wants a Little Bit of Everything:
- Oldenborg Center: This isn’t just a dorm; it’s an experience. Oldenborg is the Center for Modern Languages & International Relations, & it’s a living-learning community. To live here, you need to have at least a year of college-level foreign language under your belt & be willing to participate in the center’s activities. The payoff is HUGE: you’ll be immersed in a community of students from all over the world, & the amenities are some of the best on campus. We’re talking spacious, L-shaped singles with floor-to-ceiling windows, semi-private bathrooms, & air conditioning. Plus, it has its own dining hall!
For the First-Year Who Wants a Cozy & Convenient Home Base:
- Lyon Court & Wig Hall: These are two other great options for first-years on South Campus. Lyon Court has some of the largest rooms on campus, with mostly doubles & triples. It’s got a comfy lounge, a kitchen, & is super close to the pool & “Wig Beach,” a big grassy area with volleyball & basketball courts. Wig Hall is another first-year-focused dorm with a similar vibe. Both are great for building a strong sense of community with your fellow first-years.
For the Upperclassman Who’s Ready for a Little More Independence:
Clark V: If you’re a junior or senior, Clark V is a top contender for the best dorm on North Campus. It’s all singles, & you’ll never have to share a bathroom with more than three other people. Many of the suites have balconies, which are perfect for enjoying that Southern California sunshine. The rooms are a good size, & some even have fireplaces!
Sontag & Dialynas Halls: These are the newest kids on the block, & they are NICE. Built to LEED platinum standards, they’re some of the greenest dorms in the country. They’re made up of suites with three to six bedrooms & a shared common room. This is a great option if you want to live with a group of friends but still have your own space. Plus, the beds are full-sized, which is a definite upgrade from the twin XLs in most other dorms.
The Little Things That Make a Big Difference
Beyond the big-name dorms, there are a few other things to keep in mind when you’re thinking about housing at Pomona:
AC is a HOT commodity: No, seriously. Not all dorms have it, & in the first few months of the school year, you’ll be glad you do. If AC is a must-have for you, make sure to check the housing website for a list of air-conditioned dorms.
Kitchens & Lounges: All the dorms have lounges & kitchens, which are great for studying, hanging out, or whipping up a late-night snack.
Laundry: It’s free! You don’t have to worry about scrounging for quarters, which is a small but mighty perk.
Parking & Storage: If you're thinking about bringing a car to campus, you'll need to figure out parking. And let's be real, dorm rooms aren't exactly known for their spaciousness. If you find yourself with more stuff than you have room for, or if you need a place to store your things over the summer, you might want to look into off-campus storage options. That’s where a service like Prked can be a lifesaver. You can rent out a private garage, attic, or basement from a local homeowner, which is often way more affordable & convenient than a traditional storage unit. It's a pretty cool way to find the extra space you need without breaking the bank.
So, What's the Verdict?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” dorm at Pomona. It all comes down to what YOU want out of your college experience. Do you want to be in the heart of the social scene, or do you prefer a quieter, more independent living situation? Are modern amenities a must-have, or are you charmed by historic buildings with a bit of character?
My advice is to think about your priorities & then do a little more digging on the Pomona housing website. And once you get to campus, don’t be afraid to explore! You’ll have friends in different dorms, so you’ll get a feel for what each one is like.
Hope this was helpful! Let me know what you think in the comments. I'd love to hear your own experiences with Pomona's dorms
