If you are a prospective, upcoming, or current student at Columbia College Chicago, chances are you've had some experience either researching the dorms or experiencing them firsthand. As a current student going into my second year at Columbia, I myself have had such an experience: the good, and the bad. So if you're a new student, you can get amped about your housing placement. Or if you're a current student either living in the dorms or you've since moved out, you can reminisce a few memories.
The Dwight
We'll begin with The Dwight. This particular building just so happens to be where I spent my first year at Columbia. Now, if location is important to you, then The Dwight will most likely not be your friend. Although it's not exactly a mile further than other dorms, it's certainly not as central as the rest. That extra block or two can seem like an eternity when the wind in January cuts through your very soul like an axe. On the bright side, The Dwight has plenty of perks. Located directly next to a 24-hour Dunkin' Donuts and Subway, along with a pizza place next door, you definitely have some nice 2 AM snack options. On top of those little bonuses, The Dwight also features a sky lounge (and NO, you cannot EVER access the sky deck, just accept it). It also features the graffiti room, which is basically a dream come true if you've ever wanted to make the paint balloon dart game from The Princess Diaries a reality. The rooms themselves aren't half bad either. Fully-furnished apartments with a flat screen television and full kitchen minus a dishwasher makes for a fairly easy year. Obviously they aren't a lush oasis that you can return to after class, but they definitely beat those prison cell-like rooms you've heard about at other schools.
The Flats
Next, we have The Flats, the building is the newest addition to Columbia's lineup of dorms. Located on South Wabash, The Flats is definitely a great spot if you like being central to classes, especially if you're a film student. On top of being in a great location, The Flats also features a newly built lobby café for those quick bites before morning classes. Also, if you happen to miss your high school gym, you're in luck! The Flats just so happens to have its own full-size gym, with regular events held inside. With bonuses like free laundry and fairly spacious apartment-style rooms, The Flats is definitely a contender for the best dorm. However, as with any dorm, it does have its drawbacks. On top of having the possibility of a six-person unit, The Flats also features less-than-homey public areas. Then again, the exterior facade doesn't exactly scream warm and cozy.
The University Center
Known to most as the UC, The University Center is probably the largest dorm Columbia utilizes. The UC is most known for having Columbia's one and only cafeteria which was just completely renovated this past year. As a resident of the UC, you might be required to have a meal plan, which does cost more in your tuition fees. I myself had a meal plan last year and it was okay. The University Center is also known for housing more than just Columbia students. Thats right, it's shared housing between multiple local schools (Roosevelt, CCC, DePaul and Robert Morris University) and although you'll never have to actually live with students from other schools, there's a good chance you'll run into them in common areas, and the cafeteria is no exception. The UC is also known for being one of, if not the only, Columbia dorms to not have full apartment-style rooms. They are set up a bit more like traditional dorms, but they do still have private bathrooms and the rooms are by no means a bad place to live.
777 South State AKA 2 East 8th
777 South State Street, referred to as 2 East 8th by most, is yet another one of Columbia's dorms. Well known for painfully slow elevators and bad air conditioning, 2 East 8th is definitely not the most popular of the bunch. However, it does have a few upsides. It is one of two dorms that allows completely private studio apartments, the other being The Flats (for an additional cost, of course). Another plus for this building is definitely the location. Not too far from classes at 33 East Congress, but also just a few minutes from the theatre and film buildings. Not to mention, it's located right on State, literally seconds from Devil Dawgs, a wonderful 1 AM hotspot for all your greasy, unhealthy cravings. The rooms in the buildings themselves are nice, clean and spacious. Also, once again, the rooms are set up in apartment style, so full kitchen and living room. Overall, you could definitely do a lot worse than 777 South State.
Plymouth Court
Finally, we have Plymouth Court. Located just east of The Dwight and just west of 777 South State, Plymouth stands as one of Columbia's most utilized residencies. Home to the Residence Life Office and host to many Columbia events - such as Little Mouth - Plymouth is a great building. Although it is not the newest and shiniest, I don't believe I've heard much negative feedback about the building from people who have lived there. I visited the building often for weekly improv club meetings and it always had a nice homey vibe. Plymouth features a large lobby with Columbia's best and biggest workout facility open to all students. The dorms themselves are a bit outdated and could use a little work, but they're not exactly falling apart. The rooms feature full kitchens, including a dishwasher, and trust me, coming from someone who's lived at The Dwight without one, count yourself lucky. Additionally, the rooms have full living rooms and decent sized bedrooms. On top of this all, Plymouth is one of Columbia's cheapest dorm options. Overall I can't find a lot wrong with Plymouth aside from its apparent age.
Well, there you have it. A rundown and review of all of Columbia's dorms: the good and the bad. Hopefully you either got excited for your future dorm or possibly relived some moments you would rather have forgotten. Either way, you'll never forget your first dorm and they don't get much better than Columbia's.
