If living outside the U of C bubble on the quads sounds appealing, then Broadview is the dorm for you. Nestled on the corner of South Hyde Park Boulevard and East 56th Street, Broadview houses about 200 people and is a 15-to-20 minute walk from the main quads.

A former hotel, Broadview contains a large ballroom, a library, music rooms, and a community kitchen. The dorm consists almost entirely of singles with private bathrooms, and room sizes vary considerably. The Broadview house tables are in Pierce, but it’s a bit of a trek from the dorm to the all-you-can-eat buffet.

Because of their great distance from campus, Broadviewers are known as a studious bunch who spend lots of time in the dorm. So if you’re looking for a tight-knit community in a quiet, calm atmosphere, Broadview is a good bet. Its best attribute is its great access to downtown, since the #6 bus stops right in front of the dorm.

The nearby restaurants are a draw, especially if you have a predilection for Thai food, with three Thai restaurants in a row within a short walking distance. Broadview residents also hold annual barbecues at the Point, just a few blocks away.

Despite University claims to the contrary, Broadviewers have frequent trouble catching the bus to campus in the morning.