- by Katie Oechsle -

dorm room with two beds, saucer chair, and desk

So you’ve set up your Housing Portal and found a roommate or three, and now what? Choosing where you’ll live for your first year of college is no easy feat, but have no fear! Each first-year residence hall is well equipped to keep you safe and comfortable through your first year here at Naz. You’ll arrive on Move-In Day filled with anticipation, curiosity, and probably some jitters. But once you’re settled into your home away from home, those fears will melt away.

Kearney Hall

Kearney Hall is at the heart of Nazareth’s campus. Kearney holds a century of history while also providing new single-user bathrooms and an elevator, opening fall 2024. 

Comprised of double and triple rooms, Kearney also has outdoor basketball and volleyball courts. Kearney will give you the essential college experience you’ll remember forever. Not only is Kearney comfortably situated in the heart of campus, it is mere steps away from the Dining Commons— making breakfast, lunch, and dinner a breeze!

Lourdes Hall entrance

Lourdes Hall

Right next door to Kearney, Lourdes Hall is another 20th-century building that has been newly renovated to accommodate 21st-century students. With new individual bathroom pods and elevators, your living experience in Lourdes will be comfortable and connected. Made up of double and triple rooms, Lourdes is filled with activity and life. Peloton bikes in the basement are available for you to reserve for a quick workout before or after class. Lourdes Hall has everything you need for a fun first-year experience!

large bed and bunk beds in dorm room

O’Connor 1

The last (but certainly not least) first-year residence hall is O’Connor 1. It is one of three buildings that complete the O’Connor Complex. With suite-style living, you will experience the joys of having several roommates and getting to know each other up close and personal with an in-suite bathroom and connected rooms. O’Connor has comfortable and updated lounges and shared kitchen spaces that make studying and cooking a bit more fun. After spending my first year in OC 1, I can confidently say these features gave me the wiggle room to have a late-night snack or hang out with friends away from where I slept. For our music majors, there are soundproof practice pods in the basement of OC 1 with pianos in each one, giving you no excuse to skip a practice session. This also helps reduce any noise complaints from your neighbors. In the same complex, O’Connor 3 also houses our gender-inclusive community that has suites for 4 or 5 people.

All good options

Each first-year hall will provide you with a fulfilling and comfortable experience as you settle into the routine of college — giving you the space to grow and change while being surrounded by support from your fellow first-year students and the Naz community. No matter which dorm you choose, you will experience the beauty and excitement of campus life.

Packing tip

I definitely recommend bringing a fan or two for your first few weeks on campus. Despite being located in the Northeast, Rochester has beautiful summers that last into early September, which make the dorms a bit warmer than usual. If you need some pointers on what to pack, check out Emma Maskell’s post, Five Unexpected Things I Couldn’t Live Without My First Year!