Housing options for sophomores and upperclassmen extend far beyond the traditional realm of Chamberlain and College Houses. These "off the beaten path" options include the fifth floor of Osher, spare rooms in Brunswick theaters, and apartments off Maine Street.
Sophie Springer '11, one of a handful of sophomores living in first year dorms, lives in Osher Hall. Her low lottery number dashed hopes of living in a quad.
"We really didn't want to live in Chambo, so we were looking for other options," Springer said.
Many sophomores opt for first year dorms like Osher and West Hall due to their central location on campus, spacious rooms, housekeeping, and kitchen on the ground floor. While Springer noted that loud music from first year rooms and being subject to first year rules was not ideal, there is definitely a silver lining.
"We don't see freshmen that much," she said. "And we bake cookies a lot." While the living situation may not be optimal for upperclassmen, "it's nice to be a little removed," said Springer.
While Springer and her roommates decided to forgo the Chamberlain Hall option, sophomores August Kerschner and Greg Kamford were informed by Residential Life during the summer that Chamberlain did not have space for them. Bowdoin was forced to search for an alternative housing situation and lease two rooms from the Maine State Music Theatre on Elm Street. Although few Bowdoin students expect to be living above a community theatre a long walk from Smith Union, Kamford said "There wasn't really another option so no one refused."
"The amount of space we have is nice compared to Chambo," said Kerschner. Furthermore, the six sophomores boys living there have come to enjoy their remote location and, with no R.A. and little supervision from security, see it as an opportunity to exercise more independence. There are a few difficulties with living so far from campus, however.
"I think laundry is definitely the worst part," said Kamford. The Elm Street residents have to bring their laundry to Chamberlain or use an expensive laundry service in town. Brunswick parking bans also make it difficult for them to find a parking space for the night.
Not all Bowdoin students end up in non-traditional housing because of poor luck in the housing lottery. Seniors Christine Kue and Jessica Walker never even entered the lottery. Kue, who works as an intern for Dean of Student Affairs Wil Smith, was offered a room on the third floor of 30 College as part of the job.
While Kue said she was initially disappointed by how quiet the residence was, in recent months 30 College St. has been home to the Queer-Trans Resource Center, Multicultural Center, and (at times) Women's Resource Center, as well as other groups that have livened up the communal space.
Kue said that she enjoys and takes advantage of the benefits of living at 30 College Street, such as two high-tech kitchens (one of which is kosher). While the living situation may not appeal to those seeking a more social atmosphere, Kue says that she greatly enjoys her "peaceful and healthy environment."
Walker has a similar living situation to Kue's. Walker is the president of the African-American Society and one of the two house managers at The Russwurm African American Center, a building that four Bowdoin students call home. The newly renovated building has a state of the art kitchen, a small library, and a large meeting room.
Walker and her fellow house manager, Terrence Pleasant '09, were nominated to live at the African American Center and manage activities and programs. Two other students, a nominee from Latin American Student Organization and another from Africa Alliance, also live in the Center.
Although she recognizes the perks of living in Russwurm, Walker said that she and her housemates take their connection to the African American Center and their responsibility to furthering its cause seriously.
"I just love it so much, and I'm so pleased that I can live here and be a part of maintaining and sustaining its mission," said Walker.
Like the arrangement at 30 College Street, Residential Life is not involved with housing students at Russwurm.
"It's actually better for us if they aren't involved," said Walker, who added that the separation of their house from Residential Life truly makes the house their own.