Students Weigh-in on Renovated Rebert
Students’ months-long anticipation for the newly renovated Rebert turns into a mix of emotions as they move into their long-awaited renovated wings. With only five weeks left in the semester, students are expected to move.
The move comes after months of delay, admits Chris Marquart, associate dean of student life. “We initially hoped for completion earlier in the academic year, but unforeseen setbacks prolonged the process,” Marquart says. The delays, now entering the third instance, were primarily attributed to supply chain issues and the extensive scope of the renovation, which involved removing three-quarters of the building.
On March 24, Rebert and Lee North students began to relocate to Rebert South and East. The renovations were a collaboration between the administration and students, aiming to create spaces where students could come together. One of the primary goals for the project was to create a welcoming environment that felt similar to home. “We wanted people to step in and say to themselves, ‘Oh, this feels like the bathroom I have in my house,'” says Marquart. The new wings come with a range of new features, including a new kitchen in the East, a main lounge, and several study rooms.
Despite witnessing some of the most remarkable improvements to the building, students are not unanimously thrilled about the move. “I don’t feel great,” says Simone Routledge, a first-year being forced to move. “I honestly cannot remember the last time my mental health has been so bad.” Originally part of the London FYP, Routledge initially resided with other London students in Rebert North.
However, following the move, her roommate situation shifted, leaving her with fewer close connections. She recalls a particularly challenging day when she struggled to function, overwhelmed by the move. “I skipped both of my classes and ended up sleeping the whole day because of the toll that this move is taking on me,” she said.
Some students like Juliana Saunders found themselves with neutral stances about the move. “It just seemed out of the blue. Like, we were told a week before break that we were going to be moving like the week when we came back. And it was just, that was a bit sudden,” recounts Saunders. Additionally, she remarks on the challenge of readjustment, mentioning, “I don’t think it’s super hard to readjust. I mean, Ella and I get along really well, so it’s not a super big issue having a roommate.”
Max Lang, who is also a London FYP student, has a positive view. “I’m happy about the move. Very happy, ecstatic, you can say,” Lang said. He emphasizes the opportunity for a fresh start and the chance to create a personalized space, which aligns with his desire to make the new room feel like home. Similarly, Tommy Duane feels like the move improved his mental health. “I think overall the move has brought me personally a lot more happiness… I just feel refreshed. And it’s a lot easier to live here than it was to live in my other room,” says Duane.
Renovations for Rebert North have begun and are expected to be done before next semester. Rebert Hall is the first of many renovated plans for the campus, including renovations to Dean Eaton and Skyes. Administrators from Resident Life encourage students who have any ideas or feedback to reach out to them.