This semester, nearly 700 of Tulane University’s sophomores moved into the newest dorms on campus: Lake and River Halls. Completed after a long-awaited construction process, the residence halls have received positive reviews from their residents and visitors alike.

The residence halls, which replaced Phelps and Irby, house students in both single and double suite-style rooms. They are part of the first phase of The Village, which includes a raised courtyard, a 200-seat theater and the Small Family Collaboration Hub, a common space.

According to Tim Lempfert, executive director of housing and residence life, the new dorms improved Tulane’s housing program by bringing more students on campus, as well as developing new projects for community building and living-learning opportunities. 

Lempfert said there are two dining spaces expected to open later this year, one facing McAlister Drive and one across from the back door of the Hub. 

Construction is also set to begin soon on two new buildings where Irby and Patterson were formerly located, both of which will be residential halls. 

“Creating a space in the residence halls that supports not only personal and social development, but creating an environment that’s conducive for academic success is incredibly important,” Lempfert said. “Another important goal was to create spaces where students and faculty could interact, organically, helping establish new relationships beyond the classroom.”

Sophomore Charlotte Sherrod said her new living space in River was an upgrade from her freshman year dorm. 

“It’s so much cleaner and brighter, and just the facilities are so much nicer,” Sherrod said. “I don’t have to really worry about getting sick from mold [and] I love having a new bathroom attached to my suitemates because it’s really fun to be with more people.” 

Lake and River are connected by a wide outdoor terrace on the second floor.  

“It’s fun because you can just walk back and forth between [the two dorms],” sophomore Emelia Cooperberg said. “With your friends all living in the same area, I think there is a big sense of community. It makes plans and hanging out a lot easier.”

The Hub in between the two dorms has become a fan favorite, due to its combination of study spaces and gaming options. Students are often found either crowding over the gaming tables or working in booths or tables. 

“The Hub is really fun. I learned how to play pool and foosball,” Cooperberg said. “There’s lots of study spots, which is very nice, because I know the business school gets filled out so quickly.”

The new living-learning spaces have attracted students living all over campus. First-year student Austin Levin just visited the Hub for the second time.

 “I play shuffleboard, and now pool,” Levin said. “The shuffleboard tables are really nice and remind me of home.”

Looking outside of his new window in the Housing and Residence Life Office of River Hall, Lempfert said he can spot students coming and going from the Hub at all times of the day. 

“It has been really exciting to see,” Lempfert said. “It’s starting to play out the way we’d hoped it would play out.”

“I’m really proud of the work that the team has done to put together what I think is a great space for students to live,” Lempfert said.