Last October, some particularly prepared University students were making housing plans for the 2005-2006 school year. Several third-year students, however, decided to hold off on signing leases this year. Not having a definite residence for the fall may seem stressful for some students, but nearly 300 waited it out for the chance to live in the largely popular housing community, the Lawn rooms.
Despite -- or maybe due to -- the guaranteed presence of streakers right outside their doors, the 47 Lawn rooms have been highly sought-after in recent years, and this year is no exception. The rooms' location alone is enough to make them desirable, despite their lack of air-conditioning and the necessary outdoor trek to the bathrooms. Considering the rooms' centrality, as well as their prestige and history, it is easy to see why hundreds of students applied to live on the Lawn next year.
Fourth-year College student Sam Brody, a current Lawn resident, said the competition and wait are well worth the chance to live in the Academical Village.
"The view from your front door is great," Brody said. "And of course, the centrality is nice. You get a significant amount more sleep."
The traditional and historical values behind the Lawn rooms add to the rooms' prestige. They compose part of the original Jeffersonian Academical Village and housed the first students of the University.
Third-year College student Stewart Ackerly said he appreciates the rooms' past and was especially pleased to be among the elected future residents.
"I really value the history of the rooms," Ackerly said, "especially because my father lived on the Lawn back when he was a student in 1965."
The future residents were informed Feb. 11 of their admittance and were only given a week to accept or reject the offer. For most students, the choice was an easy one.
Third-year College student Margaret Grundy said she is very excited about the opportunity to live in the Academical Village.
"Living on the Lawn provides me with the chance to be in the heart of the action at the University," Grundy said. "I'm looking forward to being a part of this and getting to know other members of my class."
Student Council President Noah Sullivan, another one of the selected future residents, agreed with Grundy.
"Personally, I consider it one of the greatest opportunities to be able to live with students who are very committed to being in that type of community, helping to build it," Sullivan said. "It's exciting to imagine the energy of these people living together."
Fourth-year Commerce student Matt Bulloch, who currently lives on the Lawn, said the best thing about the living arrangement is the other residents.
"It's incredible to live with such talented, diverse people," Bulloch said. "You have so many connections at your fingertips."
Fourth-year College student William Chichester elaborated on the social element of the Lawn.
"My only regret is not meeting these people before my fourth year," Chichester said. "Also, new residents should try to be open to visitors. Don't always keep your door shut. You never know who'll stop by."
Like Grundy and Sullivan, Ackerly said he looks forward to living and acting at the core of the University. He also said he hopes to use his position as a Lawn resident to serve as a representative of the school.
"I think it's the greatest honor our peers can bestow on us to select us for the Lawn," Ackerly said. "It means we've shown the commitment to the University that it takes to get elected, and we should expand on that if possible. Therefore, it's our responsibility to put forth a good face for visitors and perspective students."
The commitment Ackerly mentioned is something the future residents all have in common. Each of them has already shown a deep and active interest in the University. Third-year College student Michael Love, for instance, is a member of the University Judiciary Committee, the Jefferson Literary & Debating Society and the International Relations Organization.
These students' levels of involvement and dedication are in no way diminishing now that the students have been presented with the honor. Although they were selected for the community less than two weeks ago, some future residents' ideas and visions for the year ahead are already taking shape.
"Personally, I'm hoping to be elected to the Honor Committee this Friday and to be able to add that to the Lawn community," Ackerly said. "But in general, I think it's a joint commitment that the Lawn residents share to better the University."
Last weekend, fourth-year College student and current Lawn resident Meghan Sullivan spoke to the 2005-2006 residents and challenged them to take full advantage of living on the Lawn and to continue being active members at the University.
"Living on the Lawn isn't just a reward for being involved the first three years of college," Noah Sullivan said. "Meghan pointed out to us that it's often seen as an award for service, but it's also a challenge and an obligation to continue to be active. I think that idea has a lot of merit."
Sullivan said he already has several potential plans for his year on the Lawn, including a possible service project for Lawn residents to lead. He also wants to look into Lawn discussions concerning broad student life issues. He said he intends to continue with the work he's been doing as Council president informally but actively, because he thinks it's important for a Lawn resident to fulfill a leadership role and help develop the community on the Lawn and beyond.
Grundy said she also wants to reach outside the relatively small network of Lawn students.
"Lawn residents should be open to and welcoming of other students," Grundy said. "I plan on using my Lawn room to bring others in the community together. It's important to recognize all active students. So many students at the University contribute so much. The Lawn community should serve as an example but recognize and encourage other outstanding students, too."
Bulloch encouraged all of next year's residents to make the most of the unique opportunity.
"Advice for next year's residents: keep your door open," Bulloch said. "Plan Lawn activities. Discuss philosophy. Smoke cigars with your friends. Just be sure to take advantage of this experience."
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