There’s no place like home … that is until you find out it’s one of the worst in the country. On Mar. 1, CampusSplash.com, a college news website, published a list of the “10 Worst Dorms in America,” based on ratings from students across the country. The verdict? Garner was ranked the worst dorm in the country, with Weston and Forbes coming in fifth and sixth, respectively. University Housing is shrugging off criticism, calling attention to the flaws in the rating system, particularly to the low number of students who actually rated the dorms. It is instead focusing on future construction plans. Kirsten Ruby, assistant director of Housing for Marketing, had her own numbers to share from satisfaction surveys conducted by the University — numbers that tell a completely different story. Despite this, the list was still featured on websites like TIME and The Huffington Post. Are the dorms really as bad as some claim them to be? Students from each dorm weigh the pros and cons below, with a glimpse into some of the ratings reported by CampusSplash.
Pro: Location
“There are always people around; you’re right next to the football stadium. You’re pretty close to Green Street. You’re pretty close to everything you need to do.”
Con: Construction
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
“It’s been going on for both years that I’ve lived here. We lost the tunnels and the music practice rooms.”
Thomas Santucci,
Sophomore in Engineering and Garner Hall Resident
“When Garner was built in 1960, it was built the way it was, and that’s what we have. But today, we are taking what students (want) into account. Garner Hall is directly next to Nugent, which is still under construction. Garner is scheduled for demolition in 2012.”
Kirsten Ruby,
Assistant Director of Housing for Marketing
Pro: Academic and Social Balance
“We have a living and learning community. The basement library is quiet and good for us to study. The Six Pack is really social and you meet a lot of people.”
Con: Size
“The dorms are not as big as some of the others on campus.”
Jorie Pinsof,
Freshman in Education and Weston Hall Resident
“I don’t have a specific date for you yet on when Forbes will begin construction, but we’re breaking new ground at Peabody Drive and First Street this spring. When that’s done we will start on Forbes.”
Kirsten Ruby,
Assistant Director of Housing for Marketing
Pro: Comfort
“Great social scene. Comfort is there, even if luxury is not.”
Con: Outdated Design
“We barely have any storage space. The layout of the room does not make any sense. The beds are old.”
Melanie Lyman,
Freshman in Engineering and Forbes Hall Resident
“I don’t have a specific date for you yet on when Forbes will begin construction, but we’re breaking new ground at Peabody Drive and First Street this spring. When that’s done we will start on Forbes.”
Kirsten Ruby,
Assistant Director of Housing for Marketing
