An Insiders Look at UW's Newest Dorm

 

The New Dorms are Almost Here 

Walking by the new dorm construction every single day for the last 2 years created an itch in me that has wanted to see the inside of them. Being involved in student organizations, especially the American Society of Civil Engineers or ASCE, provided me with the opportunity to do just that. Are you curious about how incredible the new dorms are going to be? Then you’re in the right place! 

I’m Raegan Merrill, a senior Architectural Engineering student, who nerds out about architecture and structures of buildings. While getting a sneak peek at the inside of the new dorms, I clocked some key elements that are note-worthy, from interior balconies to private bathrooms, here are a few things UW students can look forward to!

 

1. Safety First 

For the parents whose babies are moving far away from home, or even close to home, don’t worry, you can sleep well! Safety is a top priority in the new halls. The residential areas are separate from the dining areas, so people who don’t live in the dorms won’t be allowed in without permission and all residential areas have secured entrances.   

 

2. A Good Nights Sleep  

For the students who love their sleep, these dorms will provide the opportunity to get the sleep you want! The dorms are so close to classes that you can catch some extra ZZZs - but don’t be late for class! 

 

 

3. Functional Communal Spaces

I know for some people going to college and not knowing anyone can be intimidating, but with the new dorms there are lots of great ways to meet people. On each floor there is a game room, a community kitchen, fireplaces and multiple study rooms/lounges.  

Don’t be scared to ask people if you can join in on their game, cook with them in the kitchen, chill with them by the fireplace, or study/hang out with them in the study rooms/lounges. College is an adventure so embrace the fear and make the most out of the amazing spaces you’ll be living in. 

 

 

4. Privacy Where it Matters Most 

Doesn’t everyone love a little privacy when taking care of business? We all know that stalled bathrooms can be difficult, especially if they were to be in your place of residence. But guess what! Not here! The dorms will have shared bathrooms, meaning they are open to everyone on the floor, but the toilets and showers are in their own private rooms. That's right, with full walls and none of those awkward cracks in the doors!  

 

5. Flexible Dining Options

I don’t know about you, but I love eating food. In the new dorms there are 2, yes that’s right, 2, levels for dining! This means the food lines will be shorter, there will be many food options to choose from and you may be able to find a nice quiet table to enjoy your meal.  

In case you sleep late, are in a rush between classes or just want a quick bite, the new dorms will feature a grab-and-go food space where you can pop in, grab your meal, and be off on your busy day!  

 

6. Views and Light for Days 

Wyoming is known for its open spaces and gorgeous scenery. Within the new dorm there is a multitude of windows on all sides of the building so if you have a room on the east side, you’ll get to see those gorgeous sunrises as well as the summit! If you have a room on the west side of the building, you’ll get to enjoy the lovely Wyoming sunsets as well as a view of the mountains! 

The dining spaces also have skylights that penetrate through to both floors of the dining area. There are also massive windows that reach from one floor to the other. This means you can bask in that morning sun as you enjoy breakfast.

 

7. The Finer Things

Just because we here at the University of Wyoming are Cowboys and Cowgirls and can get down and dirty, that doesn’t mean we don’t like the extravagant things in life too. All throughout the new dorms there are high ceilings, grand staircases, archways, stone mosaics, interior balconies and hand chiseled exterior quarry rock. All these things guarantee a cozy place for students to call home.

I’m particularly drawn to the archways, interior balconies and the exterior hand chiseled cladding because it gives a feeling of grandeur. It really goes to show that much thought and precision has gone into the making of these amazing new dorms.  

 

 

The Future is Coming  

So, what do you say? Are you excited to be one of the first people to break the new dorms in? I know I’m extremely excited to see them when they’re officially completed! Phase one of the project, the North Hall and dining center, is set to open in Fall 2025. Beyond that, there are so many projects and ideas that the University wants to implement in the future, both to the campus and to the new dorms.