Terry Hall UW: My Freshman Year Experience

The University of Washington is a public research university in Seattle, Washington.

UW dorms come in a few different styles: single, double and triple rooms, suite style rooms, and apartment style rooms. First year students get last priority to choose a room, so they usually occupy the double, triple, and suite style rooms. Upperclassmen usually move off campus or choose to live in the apartment style rooms. There are also two main locations of dorms, West and North campus. When living on campus you are forced to have a dining plan with Housing and Food Services which enables you to eat at the dining halls and other on campus food options.

McMahon Hall is a dorm that offers a unique cluster layout where you share a bathroom and living space with a small group of roommates, fostering a social atmosphere conducive to making friends. While the building has an old legacy look, it provides stunning views of Mt. Rainier and Lake Washington from balconies. The dorm is lauded for its affordability, convenient location near campus facilities, and the social cluster vibe it promotes. Residents appreciate the ample storage in rooms, private bathrooms, main floor patio, and access to an on-site gym. Custodial staff maintain the cleanliness of shared spaces, including bathrooms. However, some students mention issues like the lack of kitchen facilities, occasional smell in the building, and varying room temperatures. Despite these drawbacks, McMahon Hall stands out for its community feel, proximity to campus amenities, and the opportunity to build friendships within the cluster setting.

Maple Hall is a vibrant college dormitory that provides both a blend of comfort and convenience in a modern design. Students commend its strategic location close to engineering classes and popular culinary spots on the 'Ave'. Its abundance of study spaces, two kitchens, and four study rooms per floor, makes it the preferred choice for most students. It's particularly admired for its hi-tech facilities such as Area 01 and immediate access to the college's West Campus dining and mail area at Lander.

Each room in Maple Hall, especially corner rooms, offer spectacular views of the Seattle skyline and are noted for their spaciousness for doubles, or singles, offering ample storage, loft beds, and a clean private bathroom. However, students pointed out that triples could feel a bit cramped. 

The dorm gets warm in spring and early fall so bringing a fan is advisable. Despite some concerns about the close proximity of towel racks in the bathrooms and occasional intrusions from homeless individuals, the building is generally secure with automatic lock doors and switches to keep them unlocked if preferred. Notably, Maple Hall seems to lend itself to a great community experience. However, it is highlighted for being somewhat expensive.

McCarty Hall is a popular residence for students at the University due to its proximity to the campus, including areas like the IMA, Greek Row, and U village. It's particularly convenient for Business and CS majors, as it's very close to related facilities. Also appreciated are the functional amenities, like a spacious closet, a reasonably large desk, and various common areas.

However, it may not be suitable for triples due to limited space, thus recommending it more for doubles. Despite boasting features like modern furniture and great lighting, the rooms could induce discomfort over time. The rooms were reportedly dusty and some residents faced issues with noise levels due to thin walls and ceilings, necessitating earplugs for effective sleep.

The presence of facilities like the dining hall and study lounges nearby are a plus, but noise from social activities can sometimes make these spaces less conducive for study. The dorm is generally considered clean and comfortable, but lacks air conditioning in individual rooms. There have been few security issues, with incidents of unauthorized entry. Worth noting is the occasional delay in maintenance response. Despite these minor issues, McCarty Hall provides a wholesome college living experience.

Poplar Hall, a dormitory building located on West Campus, is appreciated by its student residents for its prime location, quick elevator rides, and overall quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for studying and relaxation. Notably, it's the closest dorm to the university campus and the Ave, a bustling area filled with food joints, thrift stores, and entertainment options. Poplar Hall offers views of Red Square, and depending on your room allocation, you could also get a glimpse of the Space Needle! Yet, it's not without its drawbacks. The major criticisms stem from its lack of facilities, with only one kitchen available on the second floor and tiny showers with low water pressure. Additionally, some students feel the social atmosphere is a bit lacking, as residents appear to keep to themselves. However, the dormitory compensates with additional perks such as a pool table on the 2nd floor, large study rooms with projectors on the 1st floor, and a secure environment requiring student ID access.

Terry Hall, located on West Campus, is known for its relatively new building and quieter atmosphere, primarily due to its smaller size compared to other dorms. One of its standout features is a rooftop deck that provides stunning views of downtown Seattle and a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, compensating for the typical Vitamin D deficiency experienced by students. While it offers amenities like a large laundry room, vending machines, a music room with a piano, and a study room in the lobby, its distance from the main campus is a significant drawback, requiring a 15-minute walk to reach classes. Rooms vary in size, with some tripling up in spaces designed for two people, leading to cramped conditions. Despite its location disadvantage and its proximity to a busy off-ramp resulting in traffic noise, students appreciate the social environment, beautiful views, and the well-maintained facilities. Accessibility is a concern, particularly for those with mobility challenges, due to the sloping paths and stairs leading to the main campus.

Mercer Court A-C offers a unique living experience on West Campus with its modern amenities and strategic location near the Burke-Gilman Trail and the water, ideal for those who enjoy biking, walking, or running. The dorm features a range of room configurations, from single to four-bedroom apartments with varying degrees of shared and private amenities. Many rooms boast stunning views of the bay and Space Needle, especially those on higher floors. The rooms themselves are decently sized, with ample storage and numerous wall outlets, though air conditioning is absent, making warmer days a challenge. Kitchens are spacious and well-equipped, offering significant storage and the ability to opt out of dining plans, allowing residents to cook and save money. However, the showerheads are fixed and low-flow, with some unusual placements of bathroom light switches. The dorm's distance from classes can be a downside, particularly in winter, but it also grants a quieter environment. While Mercer Court A-C is on the pricier side, its modern facilities and serene surroundings make it a well-loved choice for those who value comfort and location.

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