I am no longer a freshman and I can definitely find all of my classes minus the massive struggle or having to ask anyone / everyone I see. My sincere apologies to the really nice guy who patiently and personally directed me to 113 in the humanities building early last year. I have to confess I read my schedule wrong and finally stumbled upon my class in the basement! But I can very happily proclaim that I have graduated from doing freshman 360s!
And for those of you who aren’t as directionally challenged as I am, freshman 360s are when you turn around because you think you’re going the wrong way, only to spin around further several times before heading back in the direction in which you originally started. Hence, the term “360.”
While I certainly wouldn’t consider myself a dormitory aficionado after just two short years, I have survived living “community style” with its shared bathrooms, loud hallways and rarely private but always busy freshman living spaces. For those of us who still remember jamming out the popular tunes in our parent’s basements eons ago, here is a rundown of our beloved freshman dorms if they were actually 2000 something rock stars.
1. Founders Hall – Britney Spears (really!)
From the outside looking in, you might only notice the tiny shoe-box size dorm rooms where the beds are most likely lofted to touch the ceiling because, I swear, these rooms are barely bigger than an average girl’s closet! But consider the revamp. Upgraded with air conditioning and showers that don’t require a shower after leaving them reminds me of a time when Brit was definitely in need of a little TLC! Although we all love Britney, she has had some questionable moments -- such as going after the paparazzi with an umbrella, or dare I recall when she shaved her head? Ugh! But she got her act together and came back fierce. And while maybe not fierce, Founders Hall and its giant hallways with room to sit with friends is looking a little more Britney-esk. Founders Hall has also had its share of diva moments including (sigh!) the occasional water main breaks, leaving students questioning its sanity … just like we did with Brit!
2. Marycrest Hall – Christina Aguilera
The ever so fashionable star known for her “big voice” would be my pick for Marycrest Residence Hall. The first year living space is not only situated directly next to the beautiful, Instagram-worthy Serenity Garden, but students never have to leave it’s warmth to get a hot meal. It’s got its own dining hall, people! Tell me that isn’t a freshman dream on a cold, rainy day. And while Christina has earned three U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one singles, Marycrest has bagged not once but twice, a Silver Award by winning the prestigious NACUFS Loyal E. Horton awards for on-campus dining locations. And I ask you, isn’t that just as good as a U.S. Hot Billboard #1? (Ask yourself again when you are starving and lazy!) And although the rooms in Marycrest are spacious enough to fit all of Christina’s awards and were originally built to house three students, it is with a bit of rock star indulgence and excess that we hear of only two students having to share each of the gigantic rooms! Ah, to be a diva in Marycrest!
3. Stuart Complex – Backstreet Boys
This beloved boy band originated in Orlando with A.J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson and Brian Littrell. The members realized they could all harmonize together and their voices were golden when intertwined. Like the Backstsreet Boys, Stuart Complex would not be nearly the same community without its three branches, Meyer, Sheey and Adele. Partly because of its placement on top of Stuart Hill, the views from the complex showcase the breathtaking UD sunsets. And partly because everyone had their favorite Backstreet Boy, views of the band could also be breathtaking. (I might be stretching that one a bit, but go with me, okay?) The Backstreet Boys are one of the first bands to have nine of their albums hit the Top 10 on the Billboards 200, making them envied by many. While not quite Billboards material but still much loved, Stuart’s Landing located inside Stuart Complex is a tiny, chock full of goodies, convenience store. “Stu’s” is the late night place for students to satisfy the munchies and should totally own a UD Walk of Fame Star on the sidewalk of the Stuart Complex.
4. Marianist Hall – Jesse McCartney
As teens, we all loved him. I mean, he guest starred on "Hannah Montana!" "Hannah Montana!" (I mention this twice for effect.) Jesse wasn’t always a heartthrob, though; he began by acting and singing in community theatre before he was lucky enough to land a part on a daytime soap, "All My Children," which later kickstarted his music career with Dream Street. Marianist Hall is kind of low key just like Jesse’s early career. The residence hall only holds a few lucky freshman, the rooms are a step up from many of the traditional first year dorms and you have the Emporium open for snacks until, at least, 1:00 a.m. Quietly hanging in there, but definitely has appeal. As Jesse has gotten older, he is no longer that cute little kid from Dream Street. He has evolved and is now the voice of the adorable Theodore from "Alvin and the Chipmunks" and has guest starred on “Law & Order: SVU.” In some ways, Marianist Hall is similar. Even though you may have lived there as a youthful freshman, it has also evolved and branches off into quads, housing sophomores.
I’m not sure if these comparisons would alter anyone’s opinion of their current or former living space, but it makes it a bit more interesting to think about…
