You should live in Willard.

Here's why.

  • Reason 1: Willard has history. Built in 1938 and named after the most badass Illinois women’s suffragist of all time, Willard was one of the original Residential Colleges. Not a day goes by when I don’t at some point ponder, “What would Frances Willard do?”

  • Reason 10: You will get to live with some computer engineers who make jokes so nerdy that they make you cringe.

  • Reason 3: Most residents are not computer engineers and count like normal people. In fact, because Willard is non-thematic, you will make friends whose interests range from archeology to figure skating to hip hop to sustainable technologies (to name a few).

  • Reason 4: Willard is the only residential college with a dining hall. It’s one of the lesser known dining halls on campus and not so crowded, but the food is really good. And… it was just remodeled last year to include a late night option and outdoor patio.

  • Reason 5: We have some of the biggest rooms on campus. I try not to venture too far into my walk-in closet, lest I encounter fauns or snow witches.

  • Reason 6: Social events. Whether it’s Willard Formal, Polka Party, or Woo-au Luau, prepare for Sock knock-offing. Sock off-knocking? Saw cough gnaw king? I’m not sure…

  • Reason 7: Shits N’ Giggles, the premier bathroom publication on campus. This weekly four-pager will keep you laffin’ on the loo for hours.

  • Reason 8: Willard residents and faculty fellows put on amazing firesides (a presentation or activity). Past intellectually-stimulating topics have included viral videos, Willard folklore, and the rise of Ke$ha.

  • Reason 9: IM Sports. So, you want to play volleyball, dodgeball, or floor hockey? Join the IM team to bring honor to the Willard name. But seriously, we manage to dominate the scoreboard while having fun.

  • Reason 10: Awesome common spaces! Hang out with pals in the common room, tickle the ivories on our grand piano, or watch the World Cup on the projector in the basement (affectionately called the Rat Trap). For thems thinking types, you can use the study lounges when you want to get your read on.