One of the hardest parts about leaving for college is feeling like you won’t feel the comfort and love that your home provides for you. Living in a dorm is often a difficult situation. Your room is smaller, you’re living with a stranger, you have to shower communally, and the list goes on. When I first applied to the University of Portland, I knew that the on campus dorms provided a huge amount of community for the students. Little did I know just how much I would love living in my dorm. Shipstad Hall is, without question, the greatest dorm on campus—if not ever, and here is why:

1.The Theme

Considering the first half of the dorm’s name is “ship”, there’s no question why anchors and other nautical decorations surround it. I don’t think I can I will ever see an anchor ever again, and not think of Shipstad Hall.

2.The Community

All “Shipmates” are so including, loving, and accepting of any person.

3. The R.A.s

It takes a special person to become a Shipstad Resident Assistant. The R.A.s in Shipstad are some of the greatest people you will ever meet. Whether its passing them on campus, confiding in them, or simply having a conversation, each R.A. is guaranteed to make your day.

4. The Location

Shipstad is close enough to any place on campus you need to go, without being too close to anything. Next to a sand volleyball court, and a giant grass field; it's not a bad place to hang out.

5. The Traditions

The annual haunted house, Mr. and Mrs. Shipstad, “The Eddies”, and the Sand-Spike Tournament are just some of the many traditions Shipstad has. Having too many great traditions makes Shipstad an even greater place to live.

6. The People

I can thank Shipstad Hall for introducing me to some of my best friends. It can be scary coming to college and not knowing anyone. Shipstad is a place that will instantly connect you to some of the best people you’ll ever meet.

7. It's Co-Ed

Co-Ed dorms are honestly more realistic in life. It helps create a balance and you’re likely to meet even awesome people.

8. It's Rowdy

Not going to lie, you’re probably not going to get your best studying done in Ship. But no matter the time of day, there is always something fun going on.

9. It’s (probably) Fr. Mark Poorman’s Favorite Dorm

I’m like… 87% confident I’ve heard him say that before.

10. It Becomes Your Home

Home is where the heart is, and you can definitely find a lot of that in Shipstad Hall.

Now I know this may all seem a bit biased, but Shipstad Hall is a place I can easily call home. I know I’m going to miss constantly being surrounded by its amazing people come next year. You are one lucky person if you find yourself living there as well.