Williams Village is notoriously known for being disconnected from the rest of CU’s campus. The 10-minute bus ride and separate dining hall and gym makes for a pretty significant separation. Regardless, the students who call Will Vill home have developed a sense of belonging and community within.
Finding out I got my last choice for dormitories definitely dampered my excitement when heading to college. I’d never taken the bus in my hometown and was a little nervous to worry about making a commute. My parents were less than thrilled to discover we’d be paying the same amount as on campus housing. They encouraged me to request a change, but I honestly didn’t want to go through the hassle.
Luckily, my experience in Will Vill has been much better than anticipated. We have AC, which saved my sweaty self from the discomfort of the summer months. We have some of the newest buildings, although of course I was stuck in Sterns which was built back in the 60s. We have arguably the best dining, and my obsession with Mediterranean food has flourished. Although others aren’t always as fortunate, my roommate and I have a super close relationship and lucked out on a spacious room with a mountain view.
But, perhaps the thing I value most about Will Vill is the sense of community. Being far from campus has allowed the residents to connect with each other more than any other group. All of my friends live here and the distance to campus hasn’t affected our hangouts. The journey to the frats on The Hill has become almost a game. Although planning while intoxicated isn’t ideal, the stress to make the bus ride there has become an adrenaline rush that adds to the night. Plus, making friends on the way to a party is a special kind of bond you can’t have with the spoiled main campus dwellers.
Even though I get apologetic looks and sighs from classmates when I reveal where my dorm is, I’m happy to live in Will Vill, and glad that I never requested a change.