For members of the Class of 2007 accustomed to strolling down Webster Avenue only to face a tedious walk back to their guarded dormitory halls, the summer has introduced a more comfortable alternative.
Among the more prominent characteristics of the Summer term is the increased number of sophomore living in coed, fraternity, sorority or off-campus housing for the first time, since upperclassmen have vacated their seasonal homes.
These new residential options often include larger living spaces, wider beds and fully-furbished rooms. CFS housing in particular enables close friends to live together in combinations not possible through College housing.
"I get to pick 18 roommates instead of two," Phi Delta Alpha fraternity member Conor Hackett '07 said.
For that very reason, fraternity and sorority living can be noisier and more social, drawbacks that make it harder to get work done, Hackett said.
Beyond more frequent distractions, these new living experiences come with many chores students are less accustomed to, including paying utility bills, cleaning duties and general repairs.
"As a student, having to be our own custodians is definitely difficult, but the benefits [of living in our fraternity house] outweigh the negatives," Chi Gamma Epsilon brother Max Schwartz '07 said.
On that note, students often mention the challenge of maintaining the level of cleanliness offered by College custodians.
Nadia Khamis '07, who is living in an off-campus apartment on School Street, said that she most enjoys the comfort offered by her nearby friends as opposed to conversations that are often motivated by Undergraduate Advisors.
"It's nice living with a mixed group of girls and talking through issues in our own meetings -- which are all self-motivated," Khamis said in reference to mandatory UGA floor meetings.
Ali Levine '07 recently moved into the ABCD apartment complex. She noted a welcome lack of College restrictions and increased independence to off-campus housing. Still, she admitted that some drawbacks are as simple as toilet paper purchases that would otherwise be provided in College housing.
She also lamented house repairs, which she and her housemates cannot correct by merely calling the Office of Residential Life.
Coupled with new living conditions is a more diverse social scene. The change from Greek to off-campus parties is largely a result of the shift in students' living locations. Because a large portion of sophomores have decided to live off campus or in CFS houses this summer, sophomores have been awakened to new options.
"The scene is no longer solely in the basement of fraternities; it has expanded to other mediums," Hackett said.
Among the reasons for new social venues is the restriction of registered parties during the Summer term, due to the significantly decreased number of 21-year-old students enrolled at the College, Director of Student Activities told The Dartmouth. Kennedy added that CFS organizations typically respond to this reality by organizing smaller-scale activities and accepting a "generally slower pace of life."
Chi Gam Social Chairman Jesse Fredeen '07 agreed that Summer term brought a more relaxed social atmosphere.
"There are less people out of control and more people hanging out," Fredeen said.
Despite the lack of registered parties, those seeking a rowdier party weekend can often find it at off-campus residences. Some students, in fact, have come to prefer the new social venues.
"It's a more inviting opportunity to meet new people," Khamis said.
Hayley Coleman '07 remarked that the shift to off-campus parties was a weird -- but welcome -- change.
"It's a lot like high school, but you don't expect your parents to walk in," Coleman said.
