CU Boulder's Will-Vill: A Student Guide

Entering Boulder, everybody wanted to live on main campus for the convenience. Well, what if I told you that Williams Village, more commonly referred to as Will-Vill, is the largest and most lively residential community at CU Boulder? Located on the southeastern edge of campus, it provides students with comfortable living spaces, a welcoming environment, and easy access to campus resources. Whether you're a first-year student or a returning Buff, Will-Vill offers an ideal setting for academic success and social engagement.

Dorm Options:

1. Williams Village East and North

Will-Vill East is the newest addition to the campus and features modern, spacious accommodations. It primarily houses first-year students and offers both single and double-occupancy rooms. The hall includes various modern study lounges for quiet work or group projects, a community kitchen for residents who enjoy cooking, and a small fitness center located conveniently within the building. Though I didn't get to choose my first-year dorm, this one would have been my go-to if I had any sort of say.

Will-Vill North provides a nearly identical dorm experience as Will-Vill East, with a mix of single and double rooms as well. It has a very tight community atmosphere, making it perfect for students looking to form lasting friendships. For reference, even going into my third-year undergrad, It's common for many students to connect simply due to living in Will-Vill. In this dorm, common areas are available for social gatherings, and laundry facilities are located on-site. The dorm also boasts outdoor spaces, including patios and green areas, where students can relax and unwind.

2. Darley and Stearns

Darley and Stearns Hall are both key residences in Will-Vill, offering suite-style living for CU Boulder students. Divided into different but connected parts of the buildings, these halls offer shared bathrooms and private rooms for two to three students. Due to being built around the same time, there are little to no differences in the interior, however, it's important to note that out of all the dorm options in Will-Vill, these tend to be the most dated. Despite this, they are still fairly decent choices for freshmen. Stearns is the closest dorm to the Buff Bus and you can realistically walk to campus from here. Socially, there is always something going on, and you will never fail to meet new people and create new memories here.

3. Bear Creek Apartments

Bear Creek Apartments offers apartment-style living for upperclassmen. It provides options such as fully furnished studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units with kitchens and living areas, giving residents a more independent lifestyle. Amenities also include fitness centers, study lounges, and recreation areas, and have their own shuttle services making getting to campus fairly easy. Bear Creek is perfect for students looking for privacy and the flexibility of apartment living while staying connected to campus life.

The Village Center Dining Hall

The dining hall at Will-Vill, often referred to as C5C is a student favorite. With its all-you-can-eat buffet-style setup, it offers a wide array of meal options to suit various dietary preferences, ensuring plenty of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegan and gluten-free options are readily available, along with comfort food favorites like pizza, pasta, and burgers, making it easy to maintain a balanced diet. While campus food can only go so far, the building itself is one of CU's most modern, featuring study spaces, professional conference rooms, and even a convenience store market inside. This is one of the best spots to study, attend events, or enjoy a hearty meal with a stunning view of the Flatirons.

Community Life

Life at Will-Vill is all about being part of a vibrant and engaged community. The residence halls frequently host activities like game nights, movie screenings, and study sessions, giving students plenty of opportunities to connect and build friendships. If you know anything about CU, Will-Vill is also known for playing a big role in the university's social scene, making it an obvious choice for those outgoing students. Its convenient location offers easy access to campus facilities and public transportation, ensuring students can easily participate in events and activities across CU Boulder.

Conclusion

Overall, Will-Vill creates a fantastic living experience that combines comfortable accommodations, diverse food options, and an engaging community atmosphere. Whether you're starting your first year at CU or continuing your college journey, Will-Vill is a welcoming and vibrant location that you can look forward to calling home!