Many upperclassmen on campus reflect on their first year quite fondly. Many, filled with nostalgia, have even said that they’d love to live their freshman year all over again. As this year’s incoming freshman class prepares for move in, a mixture of excitement and nerves begin to form. To put some of those anxious feelings at ease, here is a compilation of highlights (straight from the upperclassmen) of what incoming students may expect in their first year at Lehigh.

Centennial I (Upper Cents):

Formerly all sorority housing, Upper Cents now contains six separate buildings (Congdon, Emergy, Leavitt, McConn, Smiley, Thornburg) housing approximately 44 students in each one.

• Pros
  • Located directly across the street from Rathbone dining hall.
  • The smaller housing style allows for closer-knit relationships with your floor.
  • Outdoor patio area between all buildings.
• Cons
  • Somewhat removed from campus, aside from its proximity to Rathbone.
  • Must make an effort to meet people outside your hall or floor.

Centennial II (Lower Cents):

Located on the east side of campus, Lower Cents was designed with an emphasis on student interaction. An outdoor courtyard and volleyball court connect the six houses (Beardslee, Carothers, Palmer, Stevens, Stoughton, Williams), arranged in a quad setting.

• Pros
  • Co-ed floors
  • Each hall houses only 40-50 students, fostering closer friendships.
  • Located adjacent to Rauch Business Center, Zoellner Arts Theater and Taylor Gym (so you have no excuses to skip your workouts).
  • Fairly low on the hill, so there aren’t nearly as many stairs to climb.
• Cons
  • Can be loud at times
  • The buildings aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as some other res halls.
  • A bit removed from campus — walks to the UC and Drown are quite the hike.

Dravo:

Nicknamed “the castle on the hill” both for its appearance and location, Dravo houses approximately 250 students and is the tallest traditional building on Lehigh’s campus. Adjacent to Drinker House, there is also a natural underground stream running between the two halls!

• Pros
  • Houses both the CHOICE and Live Lehigh communities
  • Lots of diverse people and personalities
  • Common rooms and lounges are always busy, and are the best places to make new friends.
  • Some halls are quieter than most, making for a great study atmosphere.
• Cons
  • Since it is the highest residence hall on the hill, the extra stairs may make the trek back to your room a bit more strenuous than usual.
  • Because there are so many people contained in various halls, you most likely won’t meet all of them before the year ends.

McClintic-Marshall (M&M):

Named after the two architects who designed the Golden Gate Bridge, the Waldorf Astoria and the Panama Canal — M&M houses 280 first-year students, making it the largest residence hall on campus.

• Pros
  • The only res hall with central air conditioning.
  • Guys and girls are separated by wings, rather than floors.
  • Newly-renovated in 2009.
  • Close in proximity to Drown, the UC and Lower Cort.
• Cons
  • It’s somewhat removed from other res halls.
  • The steep flight of stairs on the way to the front entrance.

Richards:

Named after former Lehigh president Charles Russ Richards, the building has a modified Gothic stone design and an outdoor basketball court for students to enjoy.

• Pros
  • Known for having the most spacious rooms on campus.
  • The study lounge is more social than the TV/rec lounge, surprisingly.
  • It’s the closest res hall to Hawks Nest, making for a perfect study break or midnight snack.
  • Gryphons frequently host hall events, such as s’mores and stargazing, the annual Rock the Quad barbecue or visits from the Goose’s beloved Tony Silvoy.
• Cons
  • Contains many singles, which are sometimes used as forced doubles.
  • Only one floor of girls, compared to three floors of guys. (This may be a pro, depending on the person you’re asking!)
  • The “Death Stairs” on the walk up from Rathbone to Richards.

UMOJA:

Named for the Swahili word meaning “unity," this hall is home to not only first-year students, but upperclassmen as well. It houses 28 students and is located on "the Hill."

• Pros
  • The house was newly renovated in 2014.
  • Close-knit community.
  • Provides housing for a diverse group of students, transcending multiple ethnic backgrounds.
  • The first floor has an outdoor balcony with grilling areas.
• Cons
  • Smallest of all the residence halls.
  • The stairs on the way up to the house are abundant.

Regardless of your assigned residence hall, it's about to be a great year for all the incoming freshmen. Welcome to Lehigh, Class of 2019!