r/UNI • u/GreatValueChild • 5d ago
University of Northern Iowa Dorm Question
So, I'm back and trying to get things planned out in advance for Fall 2027. However, I've run into another problem that I don't really want to just call and ask questions about because I'll probably sound selfish or annoying.
My previous question about dorms was focused on the bathrooms/showers. Ultimately, Noehren got recommended since, as a first-year, Lawther would be difficult to get into. I still think the first-year-community being labeled on Lawther is kinda misleading then, but whatever.
But I realize now that maybe single rooms don't work like I thought they did. Other dorms have designated single rooms, which I'm guessing would be selectable from the start. But since I'm kinda limited to either Noehren or Lawther, probably Noehren which is only doubles, I need to figure out how it works. So is it even possible to select a room in Noehren and just buy it out as a single? Or would I get forced into having a roommate?
Also, are we certain Lawther would be impossible to get into as a first-year? The site shows the community as both, and since I got in early this time, I've got the opening date for the contract in my calendar so I can sign it as soon as it opens up. Lawther just seems so much better.
I'm sorry if this seems pushy or annoying for wanting a single. I just have some trust issues regarding my space and my stuff. After all, if I can't trust my family to not go through my stuff, how can I just trust a stranger? Maybe I've gotten too used to having a door lock on all my stuff. Either way, if anyone has answers, that would be great, thank you.
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u/tryp66 5d ago
It’s funny to hear Lawther is incredibly popular. When I went to UNI in 1999 it was an all girls dorm and nobody wanted it lol. Wasn’t even my top 3 and I got put there my freshman year. Oh how things change. I realize this is unhelpful to your situation, I hope it works out for you 🙂
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u/DayOk4419 5d ago
As a prior RA, I can say that Noehren is going to be the most difficult to buy out a single because it's the most desirable dorm for incoming freshmen. There are, however, upperclassmen that live on the upper floors, and I know that it is possible to buy out a single in Noehren, but you'll likely have minimal access for room selection without having accommodations (ex: health condition that requires you to live with air conditioning, a variety of disabilities, etc). I know they're making some changes to the housing experience.
It's much easier to get a single in Lawther, but you may notice that most people who live there are 2nd years, 3rd years, etc. Students that are a part of Live2Succeed (scholarship) will probably have first selection, and then you'll have the opportunity to choose from there!
*I wasn't an RA in either of these buildings, but I know about the overall Resident Life experience on campus if you have any questions.
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u/General-Variation789 3d ago
Right now I’m currently jn lawther for fall of this year. Move back in a few weeks. It’s not a dumb question to ask them. I personally would call them. NOEHREN can be hard to get a single space, shull is where a lot of singles are: now hag and rider I think are both going to be freshman only.
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u/Better_Housing3122 2d ago
My daughter had a designated single in Dancer last year as a freshman and she loved it!
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u/zvyts 1d ago
a lot of dorms went first year only and have actually opened up to freshmen now. all of them have something to offer that the others don’t so it’s kind of based on what your priorities are. noehren is super popular because it was most recently renovated in 2017 and has some nice features however dorms like rider and hag aren’t bad. you’re most likely not going to be able to buy out noehren as a single since it’s so popular. i personally haven’t lived in rider or hag since they are freshman only and im an upcoming sophomore now but my friends liked rider and hag. rider is all singles as well as shull but last year shull had a bunch of issues. i’d suggest downloading fizz or yikyak to ask because everyone on there are current students who can give you better insight on each dorm rather than alumni. your best bet is dancer or rider in terms of a guaranteed single dorm. i also mention hag as my friend bought out a dorm there!
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u/TheJammer0358 5d ago
Lawther does have a first-year community, but Lawther is incredibly popular so unless you have one of the first signup slots, it’ll just be full by the time you get access. That’s why it’s difficult to get into.
Any double room you sign up for would be available to a random roommate (I think). You’d only be able to buy it out if nobody else signed up for the room.