Emily Groseclose
Reporter
Nobody really likes change, and PLU students have gotten plenty of that lately. Along with the shift to distance-learning this semester, PLU decided to shut down and revamp Kreidler for the 2020-21 school year and shift residence hall assignments and themes. In an email sent out to those who applied to Kreidler, Stuen, and Ordal, Residential Life explained that Kreidler will be closed for the 2020-21 school year and residents that applied to Kreidler will now be living in Stuen. The Diversity, Justice, and Sustainability (DJS) community of Stuen will now be living on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Ordal, and the returning students that would like to live in an unthemed wing will do so in the two remaining unthemed wings of Ordal.
Now, I’ve heard a lot of students’ opinions on this change, and here’s what I have to
say: it’s going to be fine.
The change comes amid what Residential Life called a “downturn in enrollment,” meaning that there were so few new students coming in next year that they were able to shift an entire residence hall out of the picture. So, even if the residence halls in use will be full, they won’t be any more crowded than they are now. Besides Hong, maybe. That place is empty.
And if the themes are your top priority, that will be fine as well. There’s still opportunity to live in an unthemed residence hall in Ordal or Pfleuger. Besides, I personally lived in Hinderlie my first and second years, and the community that a theme brings together is quite enjoyable.
I understand the need to live in a place where you feel most comfortable, and, for many, their top choice was Kreidler. However, Stuen was just renovated a few years ago, so their rooms are quite nice!
Even though the rooms are a bit smaller, there will still only be one bed in the room, adding space to what could have been a cramped situation. I mean, come on, people. Two people live in those rooms at one time. You can live there by yourself. And if you can’t for reasons pertaining to a disability or other illness, PLU will gladly accommodate you and find a way to give you the accessibility that you need.
Besides, when we come out of the 2020-21 school year, Kreidler will be brand spanking new! I mean, have you seen it lately? It needs it. So really, I think this will be quite beneficial in the long run and I don’t see any need to worry about it. Good luck selecting rooms, though. Whew. Live long and prosper.
