When I first moved into my tiny shoe box of a dorm in Collins Residence Hall, I had no idea how my roommate and I would manage to fit all of our stuff in such a small space. In time, however, I realized that while Collins was not the nicest dorm on campus, there was no place that I would rather call home.

1. Social Life

Out of all of the freshman dorms, the lounges in Collins allow for the best community bonding. Each floor has a large central lounge, surrounded by three wings, enabling students to interact and study together in a comfortable, communal space. Moreover, since the rooms in Collins are so small, students feel more inclined to hang out in the lounges rather than confining themselves to their rooms.

2. Population

Aside from having a good setup for social interaction, Collins also houses the largest number of first year students. With its three extending wings, the large student population in Collins provides students with the opportunity to get to know as many people as possible. Yay for bonding and diversity!

3. Open Doors

This may sound silly, but the doors in Collins stay open very easily, which allows for a stronger sense of community within the halls. Everyone knows everyone, and each hall quickly starts to feel like a family.

4. Kitchens

Do you ever find yourself craving cake? Pizza? Cookies? If so, then Collins is the place to live. With a kitchen on almost every hall, it is always easy to whip up a snack with friends in Collins. Additionally, every kitchen has a table in it, which can serve as a great study space when you are too lazy to walk to the library.

5. Study Space

The basement of Collins is a great place to study when you are not up to going to the library, but cannot focus in your room. Whether you choose the central tables or a religious lounge, you are sure to find the peace and quiet that you need to survive Work Forest in the basement of Collins.

6. Fam Bam

Because of the great social scene in Collins, everyone knows everyone by the end of the first semester. My floor acted like a giant family, and we even made our own Christmas card! I assure you that if you get put into Collins, you will meet countless amazing people and learn how to feel right at home in your shoe box of a room.