Enjoy it while it lasts, because this is the last year that Shoreland Hall will be in the University’s hands. The dorm, a former luxury hotel that allegedly hosted the notorious Al Capone, has a special appeal to its residents—so much so that when administrators announced four years ago that the building would be sold because of escalating repair costs, students rallied in an (ultimately unsuccessful) “Save the Shoreland” campaign.

Taking about 25 minutes to reach on foot and 10 minutes by bus, the Shoreland is the farthest dorm from campus. But residents tend to enjoy that separation from the daily grind of the Regenstein Library and the academic quads. (That separation is less fondly discussed when students are waiting outside for the bus to arrive before a 9 a.m. class!)

With personal kitchens and suites that make Pierce rooms look like hovels (well, they sort of are, right?), it’s no wonder that residents are willing to put up with the commute to enjoy more spacious living. The dorm tends to have an active social life, and on Friday and Saturday nights, first-years can be seen in packs roaming from floor to floor looking for that party that was heard thumping through the ceiling.

One of the treats for residents living in the upper half of the building is the view of either Lake Michigan or Hyde Park. The Shoreland is located just three blocks from the #6 bus stop (with downtown service) and around the corner from restaurants on 53rd and 55th Streets. When the weather warms, grab a good book and head over to the lake to walk around in the park or sun at the man-made beach.