University of Virginia Library

Coed Dorms: 'Natural
State Of Habitation'

By Jim Erskine

"Is the grass greener on the
other side?" This variation of a
common cliche adequately relates
to the issue of coed dormitories for
first year students.

For those assigned to all-male
dorms, the dream of coed living is
enchanting. The prospect of living
and sleeping beneath two floors of
girls is "mouthwatering-an opportunity,
which is offered, would be
seized immediately."

No Advantage

Ironically, however, for the interviewed
residents of the coed
dorms, the reality of coed dormitories
sparks, within them, little
enthusiasm. Although one Cavalier
gentleman remarked that having
girls in his building was "handy,"
most male students interviewed felt
they had no real advantage over
non-resident males.

Of the female students interviewed,
one Watson girl capsulized
the opinion of her fellow contributors,
saying, "the guys don't take
advantage of the situation. For
some reason, there appears to be a
mental barrier between the bottom
two floors and the top two floors."

Many of the interviewed residents
felt that coed living was a
misnomer for their living conditions.
"The dorm is organized horizontally
with little vertical movement
between floors." "Realistically,"
the first year girl continued,
"this is not coed living but rather
like living in an apartment or a
hotel." "True coed living," her
companion added, "would be alternating
suites or, maybe, would occur
within sales."

The interviewed students justified
the existence of coed dorms in
the life style it offers, which allows
members of opposite sexes to know
each other on levels besides dating.
One male student strongly believed
that the increase in social contact
with its accompanying breakdown
in taboos and stereotype images is
an essential part of college life.

Not A Privilege

A female resident summarized
the feelings of those interviewed
when she said, "coed living should
not be considered a privilege. Rather,
it is merely a more natural
state of habitation which should be
enjoyed by all."