600 is a good place to store your shoes

Our next housing review is for one of Barnard’s most conveniently located dorms (for students, but also for mice). Hardwood floors and detailed walls lend it more charm than its linoleum-floored counterparts. 600 is the community suiteheart (haha), bringing people closer together (good luck getting a single) with large suites and a pretty face. 

Location: 600 W 116th Street, on the southwest corner of 116th and Broadway.

Nearby Dorms: 616, 620, Barnard Quad, Schapiro, Furnald

Nearby Restaurants: Shake Shack (arrival date TBD, but it will literally be in your basement), Vine, Ollie’s (RIP), Halal

Cost: $9,510 for doubles and $11,038 for singles (both tentatively)

Amenities:

• Bathrooms: One per suite, with a shower, sink, toilet, and occasionally a bathtub. Rumors are swirling that the bathtubs will be removed soon.
• AC/Heating: No AC. Heating works well (sometimes too well) so making that investment in a good fan will be worth it.
• Kitchen/Lounge: Each suite is equipped with a functioning kitchen, some with electric stovetops (thanks to the Ollie’s Fire 2k15), and others with gas. Ovens, full-sized refrigerators and freezers, a pantry, and other drawers and cabinets. Second floor lounge is available for TV, comfy couches, and the smell of fresh laundry (occasionally, it’s not so fresh).
• Laundry: Machines in the second floor lounge. Difficult to get machines on weekends.
• Computers/Printers: 616 has the nearest computer lounge/printing station. It’s a short walk in theory, but a long walk when it’s 20 degrees and you already changed into PJs.
• Gym: None, technically, but the elevators are slow and often broken, so the stairs will probably give you that workout anyway.
• Wifi: Yes. Routers in suites, pretty consistently decent connection.
• Hardwood/Carpet: Hardwood

Room Variety: 

• Mostly doubles, but they’re some of the biggest doubles you’ll be able to find, often with good natural light. Some singles, but mainly for RA’s.

Numbers:

• 600 will go to mostly juniors; it’s out of reach for the majority of sophomores, and most seniors stay away because they’re opting for singles. If you’re a junior and are okay with a double, this is a great option.

Bwog Recommendation: 

• Opt for A suites or B suites; they have the best layouts.
• The most convenient location, hands down. You won’t have to worry about getting to class on time if you’re on lower floors. Higher floors may get you a better view, but take the slow elevators into consideration, especially if you need disability-accessible housing. Close to the subway as well.
• Think about the pros and cons of the new Shake Shack before deciding this is the best option for you. There will be construction, grease in the air, and the inevitability of impulse-buying a milkshake on your way home from 1020. But also, good food.
• MoWill is on this block for your grocery needs!
• Fair warning: Barnard Library construction has pushed mice into dorms, especially 600. One miserable Bwogger had to catch and kill a family on nine with her own hands. If you’re super squeamish and/or love to leave crumbs everywhere…think twice.

Resident Opinions:

• “The stairs are exhausting to club and the elevator is the slowest you will ever ride, but the guards are nice and the proximity to campus makes 600 a great place to live. It’s fun to have extra mouse roommates in the winter to share your food with, and the traumatizing experience of trapping and killing them really makes a great story to tell at parties.”
• “The rooms are spacious and nice, but have fun sharing a bathroom with 5 or 6 other girls.”
• “George, the super, is amazing. Honestly, biggest shoutout to George.”
• “If you’re in a double they’re arguably the best. Great natural light, size, and common suite spaces.”
• “It’s old, and you have to be prepared for that. It’s what’s going to cause all your problems.”
• “A great common space to have friends over.”