A Guide to Exeter’s Girls’ Dorms
By SERENA YUE ‘28
With the House Cup on the horizon, it’s high time for an unabashed, overly-simplified ranking and guide to Exeter’s girls’ dorms. So, here’s the lowdown on Exeter’s fine selection of girls’ dormitories, with all their quirks, bugs, and, occasionally, ceilings intact.
At the top of the list, with two microwaves and a non-existent stove, Hoyt Hall takes the crown. You might have often heard Hoytians sarcastically praising their “shoebox common room,” which can barely fit its 34 residents. You may have also heard about the falling-apart closet, once used as a single, that’s so scrappy they had to decommission it this year. Despite all this, Hoyt’s community is still tight-knit and proud of their dorm.
Lamont Hall, historically known as the health center, is presently known as a battlefield. With mold on their fridge and a big bug problem, the LamFam warriors must bravely endure their battles with nature, wielding Lysol and fly swatters like seasoned champions. Some would say the dorm comes with an interactive biology lesson, but to their credit, Lamont residents take it all in stride. Despite their terrifying part-time job, they’re chill and quite easy to talk to.
Next on the list is Bancroft Hall, which is sometimes jokingly referred to as “Bankrupt Hall.” Its common room is a ginormous palace commonly used as a quiet and calm place for students to study. With a common room that could double as a palatial study space, Bancroft’s vibe would be ideal—if it weren’t for the lead sink. Known for allegedly causing skin breakouts, this gem of plumbing history is as treasured as it is cursed.
Most houses are tight-knit due to their size, and Gould House is no exception. Here, residents are friendly and warm, but don’t expect to find the ceiling if you look up in the common room—it’s mysteriously absent. To add to the ambiance, Gould residents get a daily symphony of elementary school sounds from next door, which is either charming or maddening, depending on your mood. While it’s a bit of a hike to most of the campus, Gould’s residents enjoy a quaint corner of Exeter, where preschool shrieks are part of the soundtrack.
McConnell Hall is famous for its singles and unique patio. It’s warm and cozy but people in the common room are in constant danger of being photo sniped, as the walls to the outside are see-through. It sits right in the middle of campus, so its students have easy access to most of campus, especially Elm and the Library. With snug rooms and solid camaraderie, McConnell is a solid choice for students who want singles.
Dunbar Hall is all about scale: big building, big common room, big reputation. The common room has previously served as a dining hall, so there’s no shortage of space for gatherings. The general vibe is laid-back, though with so many residents, the dorm doesn’t foster the same tight bond as some of the smaller ones. Still, Dunbar’s lucky location and easygoing atmosphere make it a winner for those who enjoy a bit of breathing room.
New Hall is Exeter’s “baby dorm”—sparkling new and full of high-end facilities that make every other dorm look like a fixer-upper. The catch? It’s positioned somewhere in the wilderness, miles from civilization (slight exaggeration). Built to modern standards and painted a unique white, it has all the comforts, plus Health classrooms because it’s that spacious. Residents enjoy a life of luxury, but make sure to pack good shoes; you’ll be walking a lot.
Wheelwright Hall. With an enormous common room and prime access to town, Wheelwright has its perks. The facilities are generally in top shape, but strict rules have earned it a reputation. If you enjoy order and love a quick walk to town, it’s practically heaven.
Merrill Hall, recently renovated, is the “it girl” of dorms. Residents even won a hard-earned microwave from school administration after some epic negotiations. However, renovations are ongoing, so Merrill girls get treated to a delightful wake-up call of banging and drilling each morning. And when winter hits, prepare to layer up: the heaters are more aspirational than functional.
Overlooking the fields and gym, Amen Hall has not one, not two, but three common rooms. They also boast an elevator and amazing facilities. Sure, the location means it’s quite a trek to class, but if you’re into fitness, Amen is practically on top of the gym.
Moulton House is cozy and welcoming with roomy facilities and a small common room that doesn’t quite fit the residents. Like Amen, it’s a bit removed from the academic buildings and close to the gym, but that only makes the community tighter.
And last but not least, Dow House is quite mysterious. Known as Exeter’s ghost dorm, soon to be abandoned. With whispers of a scheduled shutdown, it currently houses only a few seniors and uppers.
Exeter’s girls’ dorms cover a wild spectrum: from tight-knit communities to sprawling halls, from nearly-new to practically haunted. Whether you end up in a dorm that doubles as an entomology experiment or a pristine baby dorm, each dorm has a distinct personality and quirks to match. So, here’s to the dorm life—the bugs, lead sinks, and every stolen snack in between.
