For students interested in living in the dorms, there are many different options for every type of student. Besides the usual location, room size and dining choices that students have, there are also special housing options, including substance-free living.

Snyder Hall, which is part of Ikenberry Commons, or the Six-Pack, is the only substance-free hall on campus. Some people think that this dorm serves no real purpose because all dorms are technically substance-free according to university policies, but the real difference is the people who live there.

Jennie Malone, sophomore in Business, chose to live in Snyder because she can easily find other students who share her principles and ideals.

“I personally don’t take part in the party scene, and I thought I would be able to find people who are similar to me,” Malone said.

Because Snyder is advertised as the substance-free hall, some students want to live there because they choose not to drink and want to meet others like themselves.

“I like the people that are there, and I think that comes as a result of the (substance-free) policy,” Malone said.

The only difference in rules that Snyder residents are supposed to follow is that they are “committed to healthy habits and do not use tobacco products, alcohol, and other drugs inside the hall or on campus,” according to the University Housing Web site.

Although there are some students living in Snyder who do not follow the rules outside of the dorms, Malone said that she appreciates that they can not bring the party back to the hall.

The contract for Snyder has no changes from the university policies, but the residents, “come up with a community contract that spells out what they will and will not tolerate,” said the Assistant Director of Housing for Marketing Kirsten Ruby.

She said that the sanctions for breaking the rules are the same as other dorms, and every situation is taken in a case by case basis, but Snyder has a tendency to have fewer problems in general.

Jane Pryor, former Snyder resident and senior in ACES, said the substance-free environment can offer an inviting, quiet retreat from the chaotic nature of college life.

“I enjoyed Campustown as much as everyone else, but Snyder was a great study environment for me,” she said.

Pryor also said she enjoyed living in the dorm because of the alternative substance-free activities planned by the staff.

“It’s really worth it to take advantage of the opportunities they offer, and your housing money pays for them,” Pryor said.

Ruby said that Snyder Hall is a popular place for returning students, and that it has been a good match for many students who find a strong community while living there.