River Phoenix fan? We’ve got you. River is one of Columbia’s hottest dorms, at least in our opinion. This dorm may have a simple name, but it’s got big plans. Read about its cool features.

Location: 628 West 114th Street between Broadway and Riverside Drive.

Nearby dorms: Shapiro, Broadway, Hogan, St. A’s, those Barnard 116 dorms.

Stores and restaurants: Best halal cart, M2M, Starbucks, Morton Williams, Sweetgreen, University Stationary.

Cost: standardized to $9,292/year

Amenities:

  • Bathrooms: Four shared, gender inclusive, private bathrooms per floor.
  • AC/Heat: No AC; you’ll remain toasty year round.
  • Kitchen/Lounge: Two shared lounge-kitchens on every floor (one per suite), complete with seating, television, refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher. Residents can be as domestic as they like in this fine abode.
  • Laundry: Located in the basement with four washers/dryers, all free.
  • Computers/Printers: A computer lab is located in the basement with one shared printer.
  • Gym: Fitness room with treadmill, elliptical, and other various athletic equipment located in the basement.
  • Intra-transportation: One elevator and one stairwell for six floors, though the basement is only accessible by elevator.
  • Wifi: Yes.
  • Hardwood/Carpet: Hardwood.
  • Facilities: Residents are responsible to maintain kitchens and room/suite trash. Bathrooms are cleaned weekly be facilities, and recycling is removed on a weekly basis as well.
  • Bonus: Music practice room in the basement.

Room Variety:

  • Total of 127 singles and one walk-through double on the first floor. There are around thirty “big” singles and 97 smaller singles. Room sizes range around 110-145 sq. ft.
  • Largest singles are the corner rooms, so those tend to go quickly.
  • Many of the larger rooms have river views. Alternatively, many of the side rooms are shafted.

Numbers:

  • Last year’s cutoff for large singles (most of which have a river view) was 30/1581
  • Last year’s cutoff for other singles was 20/1312
  • Overall, it’s mostly seniors with some juniors. (It’s easier to get as a junior in a mixed senior group).

Bwog Recommendation:

  • Very close to campus, as well as all the amenities of Broadway. Plus, Riverside park is right there for joggers, smokers, and wanderers.
  • You can have dope views, but only if you get lucky.
  • All singles might mean you feel a little antisocial, but the hall lounge/kitchen is a good place to chill and meet people. Best of both worlds!
  • Uphill walk to campus isn’t that bad, even in winter. Come on guys.
  • To get a bigger single, a point value of 30 or higher is going to be necessary. For those with 20, don’t get your hopes up too high.

Resident Opinions:

  • I really like it–it’s quiet, but the facilities are really nice.
  • I like that it’s a bit out of the campus bubble.
  • I’m living next to six of my closest friends, so it’s sorta like a suite, which is awesome.
  • The showers and kitchens are really nice as long as people keep it clean!