Hopkins CRIBS: Off-Campus Housing a la Hopkins' Style

Congratulations!  After months of sitting patiently with your fingers nicely weaved together, the decisions have gone out today!  In the midst of preparing for a midterm last night, I briefly thought of the momentous day (meaning today).  I must confess that I had no time to really ponder how everyone must be feeling (classes from 10AM-6:30PM), but now that I revel at the arrival of the weekend, I realize how relieved all you must feel.  Whether it was a "yes" or "no", at least you know (that's my logic).  Soon enough, you will have to sit down at the dining room table and make a "Pro/Con" list.  Such exciting times!

Anyway, Hopkins Interactive wanted to give you guys a warm welcome by giving you a glimpse of our home away from home!  Some live on-campus and others live off-campus: check it out and see what your options may be.  Because I am a Junior, I am currently living off-campus with four other girlfriends.  (Disclaimer: not all upperclassmen have to live off-campus; I was actually offered an RA position last year -- which would have meant living in the freshmen dorms -- but I opted out.  Also, JHU_Liny, for example, is a third year undergraduate living in Charles Commons).

Regardless, I am dedicating this post to walking you through the wonders of off-campus housing.  My apartment building is full of Hopkins upperclassmen, it's almost as if it's a second Charles Commons (add in some retired folk with cute puppies).  The Halstead is a wonderful complex but it's 5 blocks from campus.  I must say, throughout this year, I have complained more than necessary about the "long walk".  The amenities are great, but convenience always seems to win.

Here are some pictures of the my home away from home (year three):

Here is my living room.  The five of us invested in new furniture at  the beginning of last semester.  Rather than going through Craig's List which is wonderful), we wanted the furniture to be delivered and set up.  Thus, we were lazy and way too obsessed with blood red micro-suede.  The living room is quite spacious, and even though we all have friends over almost every week -- the girls across the hall like to crash in our living room -- we're not too cozy.  It's actually quite perfect. 

The next set of pictures are of my room.  This two-bedroom apartment was made into a three bedroom apartment. Thus, the living arrangements are as follows: two, two, and one.  So I share a room with my suitemate from last year.  To be completely honest, I would NOT recommend it.  I feel like the third year you're on your own is the right time you want to get your own room back.  After two years of sharing (both years were spent in McCoy for me: read all about it here and here), going another year was not a smart idea.  But it's not too horrible.  We've re-arranged our room a couple of times to spice things up.  The picture on the right is of our bathroom (shared between three).

The kitchen and the den (which works as our dining + study lounge) can see the large bay window here. are the best parts!  I love to cook and bake so it's been beyond fabulous having a full-sized kitchen.  Unlike JHU_Esther, though, our refrigerator never seems to stay full.  With five people plus constant visitors, it's hard to keep it at full capacity.  Our breakfast area looks a lot better now (this is an old picture), but you

Lastly, the Halstead Apartment offers great amenities.  We've had so movie nights here!  It's known across campus for its movie theater and full-fledged gym.   The library is also way too comfortable to actually study in , but it's great to have long conversations with friends on comfortable (FANCY) couches.

Although we haven't used the backyard yet for cookouts, the gazebo has been visited for all-day pleasure reading or just sun-bathing.  But anyway, it's time to go, and I hope you enjoyed the brief tour!  Be sure to read JHU_Esther and JHU_Julia's journals for other off-campus housing options around Hopkins!  And of course, the lovely on-campus options available (JHU_Kate, JHU_Lauren, JHU_ Jackie, JHU_Roxi, and the rest of the Hopkins Interactive team)!

Comments

[JHU_Kate]

Hahahahaha, even though I'll be living off-campus for the next two years, I'll still be sharing a room. At least it will be with my current roommate, whom I think is awesome! (I hope she thinks the same about me. It would be a problem otherwise...yeah...)

[Jackie]

I looked at the Haltstead, but I felt like it was such a long walk. Plus, with the gym they have I might never leave! If they had a restaurant too, I would not leave!

[bella]

i love the way y0u live............. its a unique way of living.