Welcome to the Chatham sisterhood, future Cougar! Every week this summer, look for new advice from Chatham women who can't wait to see you on campus.
Have a question you hope we'll answer or a topic you'd like us to cover? Email Campus Correspondent Mara Flanagan (maraflanagan@hercampus.com)!
You might not see your dorm until move-in day, but we're giving you a sneak peek at your home for the next year!
Photo Credit: Stephanie Welling (from February 22nd Photo Blog, "Fickes in Snow")
Fickes
The Experts:
Amy Chau
Year: Sophomore
Area of Study: Biochemistry
Onastasia Youssef
Year: Junior
Areas of Study: Art History/English, Museum Studies
Benefits
“Living at Fickes is like living in a hotel,” says Onastasia. “After all, it was once an honest-to-goodness mansion.” It’s true: the building was actually someone’s home upon its completion in 1927. From the bookcases to the baby grand, you can tell. “The beautiful stained-glass windows with knights and castles near the stairs is a definite plus,” says Onastasia, “as is the library and quiet sunroom.”
Housing 116 ladies, “it is the largest residence hall in Chatham,” says Amy. Even with so many people sharing the space, Onastasia says that “all the rooms are clean and beautiful.” You’ll also be sure to have plenty of support within the dorm: “RAs are excellent, and always available to answer any questions.”
Even though there are upperclassmen in Fickes, Amy says that having "the majority of first years" in the dorm helped a lot with bonding: “I met a lot of people through Fickes.” Onastasia agrees that the people really make Fickes great: “Best of all is the amazing community. My very best friends are all in Fickes, and we had an incredible time this spring studying and hanging out together!”
Challenges
While our experts listed more pros than cons, Amy says thin walls are a downside. “I could hear my neighbors every night.”
Onastasia adds, “even the best of communities have their bad apples!” But when drama surfaces, she says, “your friends will always be there for you, and you can count on them for anything."
What We Wish Someone Had Told Us
Onastasia mentions “that you cannot bring your own mattress”: something to keep in mind when you’re shopping for dorm supplies. Another advisory? Pack lightly. Amy wishes someone had warned her she “would have more stuff at the end of the year than beginning of the year.”
The Bottom Line
“Just have fun,” says Onastasia. “While everyone gets the jitters about moving to a new place, there is no better dorm to have your first experience in.” To make the transition easiest, “contact your roommates before move-in day,” says Amy. “You will feel more comfortable when you meet them.”
Ultimately, Onastasia says, “you will be glad you came!” Coming from a woman who told us living in Fickes was “the time of my life,” you can bet on it.
Dorm Photo Credits:
Fickes Dorm Room Door: Onastasia Youssef
Fickes Dorm Room: Onastasia Youssef
Go to page 2 for the scoop on Laughlin!
