RPI Housing Comparison?

Hey everyone, I'm considering applying to RPI and I'm curious about the campus housing options. What differences are there between the residence halls? Can current or past RPI students provide any insights into the experiences of living in these spaces? Thanks!

Hey there! It's great that you're considering Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)! I can definitely give you a bit of insight into some of the housing options on campus. Keep in mind that the housing experience will always vary depending on personal preferences and individual experiences, but here are some general differences between a few of the residence halls:

1. Freshman Five: A collection of five halls (Barton, Bray, Cary, Crockett, Hall) where most first-year students live. These buildings are traditional residence halls with shared common areas, double rooms for students, and communal bathrooms. They're an excellent place to socialize and meet new people.

2. Quad: Located close to academic buildings, these four large stone structures (Burkhardt, Sage, Davison, and Nugent) offer an option for first-year students looking for a more historic feel. Rooms are mainly doubles and triples, with some singles. Bathrooms are communal, and some feature decorative fireplaces and hard-floor surfaces.

3. BARH (Bryckwyck, Blitman, City Station): Primarily for upperclassmen and transfer students, these residence options vary in style, with both suite-style and apartment-style living available. BARH offers a bit more independence, and in some cases, more privacy compared to Freshman Five and Quad. Facilities may include private/shared bathrooms, kitchens, and separate living spaces.

4. Colonie Apartments: Upperclassmen housing offered in a more apartment-style setup, which includes a kitchen, living space, and bedroom areas. This option gives students a greater sense of independence and can be a good way to transition into living off-campus.

5. Stacwyck: Another upperclassmen housing option, Stacwyck Apartments provide apartment-style living in several buildings (Sharp Hall, North Hall, South Hall). Units come with a living room, kitchen, and single/double bedrooms. These apartments are also used to accommodate Greek housing for certain fraternities and sororities.

Ultimately, each housing option has its own advantages, and your decision should be based on what type of living situation fits you best. It's always helpful to talk to current students to get a more concrete idea of what the experience is like in each residence hall, so connecting with a student ambassador or visiting the campus, if possible, can provide valuable information.

Finally, on a separate note, if you end up applying to RPI and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle their school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-essays

Good luck with your college applications!