Delaware State University’s new residence hall, The Commons

By: Nettiesha Scott

With the increase of enrollment, Delaware State University has reached a 15-year lease agreement with the former Sheraton Hotel.  The new residence hall for upperclassmen, transfer, and foreign exchange students is only less than half a mile from Campus.

The 135,000 sq. ft. building contains 153 rooms and 15 conference rooms for future DSU events.  When you first enter the Commons, you will find SRA Kailani Capote, or another RA always at the desk.

“When it gets late or an RA is not present, public safety will be there,” Kailani Capote says.  Mike Hamond, a junior living in the Commons, usually drives to class with his roommate, but if not, he finds the shuttle schedule very convenient.

Mike also mentioned that he doesn’t feel very distant from the campus.  Tatyana Flowers, a sophomore transfer student said, “I feel safe here and it feels like home.” Flowers drives to her classes and even goes on campus to eat.

“There will always be complaints no matter where you stay on or off campus.  If you have the chance, stay on campus to get the full college experience,” says Capote. Visiting hours are still the same as on campus, ending at 12 a.m. on the weekdays and 2 a.m. on the weekends.

The rooms are similar to the ones on campus, double capacity bedrooms with two dressers and desks.  However, students are permitted to have microwaves and refrigerators, unlike traditional housing.

Students living in the Commons also have a private bathroom and air conditioning.  Some extra privileges students have are free laundry, free Wi-Fi and their very own gym, opening on September 3, 2013.

While some students have cars, others have the opportunity to take the shuttle.  The shuttle schedule runs every thirty minutes from the Commons to campus starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 11 p.m. Monday through Friday.

On the weekends, the shuttle will run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and arrangements can be made for special events.  Students can also park and drive from the Commons to campus with motor vehicle registration required.