Opinion: What about Dirty South?

Photo via Ohio University Housing & Residence Life

Ollie Hunt, a Freshman studying Journalism, argues that the dorms that have been dubbed “Dirty South” have long been neglected and are in need of major refurbishments before new dorms can be erected.

When someone asks me, “Where do you live?” and my reply is “Back South,” I’m usually met with apologies and grimaces. They refer to Back South dorms as a mythical land where no one actually lives. And if you do live there, others feel bad because how could someone be so unlucky? The dorms are outdated and the furthest from the most common academic buildings on College Green. However, if you’re looking for a single dorm, these dorms might be your move.

The Back South dorms have their ups and downs, but what really is the punch in the face is the construction of McDavis Hall just behind the Front Four. Throughout the first semester, Back South dorms saw water shut-offs and power outages because of the construction for McDavis Hall. The hype has been growing at Ohio University. They have invited others to pick out furniture, attend the grand opening, etc. I have not gone to any. I feel burned. Why would I want to pick out new furniture for a new dorm hall when the furniture in mine looks like it hasn’t been cleaned since 2002? 

Hoover House was built in 1969, and the atmosphere of the dorms makes it feel as though it hasn’t undergone a single renovation since then. Hoover is the first in a line of five dorm “houses.” What’s worse is the smell, though. During move-in, Hoover House was still recovering from some type of flooding on the ground floor that made it very unpleasant to breathe in. Since moving in, that smell still lingers. 

Some of these back south dorms are “mod style dorms.” Each floor is split into two sections, “mods.” Each mod is split into two to three hallways, with a single-user restroom in each hallway. In the middle of those hallways is a common room. These common rooms are there to bring community. For me, they are disastrous. People are often in there, watching movies or talking, oftentimes past quiet hours, being very loud. As someone who prioritizes sleep and is often snoozing by 11 p.m., I am often woken up by screaming and laughing. Not fun. Mod-style dorms are definitely for a certain type of person. 

Sometimes, I feel like I lost out on regular dorm experiences. All of my neighbors are in single dorms and the feel of the place is not very sociable. It’s definitely a challenge to make friends on my floor. 

Each mod-style dorm house is equipped with a laundry room, which is very convenient. I never have to walk far for clean clothes. Anyone in South Green doesn’t have to walk far for food either, with Nelson Court being in the middle of South Green. You’re never more than five minutes away from a meal. 

In all, South Green has its charm. I’ve been able to take late-night walks on the golf course, avoiding the geese and watching the river flow. I’ve learned to enjoy my 15+ minute walks to class, letting myself get acclimated to waking up before getting there. (Although the long walk is often the biggest rationale for a skipped class or two.) 

The most frustrating thing about living on South Green will always be watching the new building go up and knowing that current students won’t get a chance to reap the benefits of living there. While the Back South dorms have their charm, they could use a little more upkeep to make living in them comfortable and nice, instead of worrying about a whole new building. These dorms are a part of Ohio U’s rich history and they shouldn’t be forgotten.

Please note that these views and opinions do not reflect those of The New Political.