Snyder Hall’s basement flooded Sunday, causing severe damage to various building systems. Residents must relocate for the rest of the semester.
The flood affected electricity, water heaters, elevators, card access and data infrastructure, the University wrote in an email. However, it stated that all residents’ rooms and belongings were unaffected. The residence hall houses 450 students, according to a statement by the University.
Lily Gliva, a freshman in LAS and Snyder Hall resident, described her shock upon seeing the University’s email.
“I was nervously laughing because I was like, ‘There’s no way this is happening,’” Gliva said.
Because of the severe damage, the University assessed that it will be unable to restore the residence hall before the semester ends. It has given Snyder Hall residents new room assignments.
Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!
The affected residents must remove their belongings from the residence hall by 6 p.m. Monday, but time slots are available Saturday, Sunday and Monday 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. The University is also offering curb-to-curb moving services for students assigned to housing across campus.
“Since the incident Sunday, university staff assessed the extent of the damage and determined that it is not feasible to safely restore building systems before the end of the semester,” the University wrote in the statement. “There is enough existing space in University Housing to accommodate relocated students for the remainder of the semester, but most students will not be able to stay with their current roommate.”
While Gliva mentioned her gratitude that her family did not need to cancel any of their flights or change their main travel plans, she said she cancelled her bus ticket through the Peoria Charter Coach Company. Instead, she plans to drive back to campus with some of her family.
“We’re definitely not able to move everything out without a car,” Gliva said.
Some students, like Gliva, were reassigned to temporary spaces — often residence hall lounges converted into rooms. Students given temporary spaces receive a 50% reduced room rate, though their meal plan will remain the same.
In a Massmail to the campus community Wednesday afternoon, the University stated it’s looking for volunteers to assist the relocation of Snyder Hall residents. Volunteer shifts will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Since the building has no electricity, the University advises that the volunteer shifts will involve the stairs and other physical activity.
Some roommates were split up and will move in with new students. Gliva said the University will send a follow-up email on the situation with more information Friday.
“It’s a punch to the gut,” Gliva said. “It’s not the thing you’re expecting to hear during your spring break from the University.”
