This post is coming to you from arguably the highest point on the Tufts hill: the fifth floor of Carmichael Hall. Located on the Res Quad, Carmichael Hall is home to the uphill dining hall, a 1st floor common room with a bumpin’ soundtrack, and five floors of luxurious living spaces. My housing journey during second semester of freshman year led me to Carm for the following reasons: stunning exterior (see photo proof), close proximity to food, easy stroll to the Academic Quad, and most importantly, triples. With much help from my roommates’ high housing lottery numbers, we were able to score the last triple room available on the Tufts campus. One month into the school year, my roommates and I are living large in our cozy abode. The only caveat to residing on such a high floor is, of course, the many stairs. Unfortunately for my lazy self, Tufts dorm buildings do not have elevators. But hey – their structures are rich with history and their halls are full of amazing people. In response to questions of “How are all those stairs?!” I have compiled a list of reasons why the trek is worth the destination.
#1: Sunsets (perhaps the most important)
Nothing beats a Carm sunset, truly. I know it’s time to peer outside when the afternoon light spills into the room and everything starts to glow. Thanks to my unobstructed window view, I have yet to see a dull sunset from the fifth floor.
#2: Natural cardio workout
This is important especially during the winter months, when I avoid going outside and all ambitious plans of making it to the gym are but a distant dream. Instead, I have the many flights of stairs to thank for an increased heart rate as I go to and from the dining hall – all while staying indoors!
#3: Anonymously yelling to people as they walk by
Okay, this one I might have too much fun with. If I’m sitting in bed and I spot someone I know walking near the backside of Carm, I crack myself up by yelling their name and watching on as they look around in confusion for the source of the call. It’s a solid form of entertainment.
#4: Move-in
Just kidding! There was really nothing positive about living on the fifth floor when it came to lugging all my stuff up those stairs – one of the sweatiest times of my life.
#5: That little attic room you always wanted
The shape of the triple is a bit out of the ordinary, with various nooks for each person living there. With extensive wall decorations, blankets, pillows galore, and many strings of lights, the space has become the coziest of cozy rooms. All rooms on Carm’s fifth floor have character beyond the uniform, rectangular shape of classic dorm rooms, adding to an attic-type vibe.
#6: Campus vantage point
From up on the fifth floor, my roommates and I can see all the uphill action just by taking a peek out the window. I can take a study break on Thursday nights to watch the fire-jugglers at their weekly practice on the Res Quad, or catch a bit of Quidditch on Fletcher Field in the afternoon. Beyond campus, I can see the Boston skyline in one direction and a luscious tree horizon in the other.