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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.”
