Dorm life at Williston is like a 24/7 sleepover with your best friends—for better and worse.
Camaraderie flourishes with bonding over midnight snacks, shared playlists, and spontaneous dance-offs. Laughter echoes through the halls, and everyone’s door seems to always be open for a quick chat, study session, or just hanging out. Whether it’s celebrating a big win or getting through a tough week, the hope is that your dorm crew will always have your back. Dorm life is meant to be more than just sharing a room, it’s a sisterhood built on shared experiences and memories.
Williston has four girls dorms: Wold House, Mem East, Emily McFadon Vincent (EMV), and Hathaway, each with its unique vibe. These spaces are designed to foster friendship and a sense of belonging, helping students to thrive both academically and socially. With activities like friendly competitions and gatherings, the dorms work to create an inclusive and supportive community.
River Grady, a sophomore living in Mem East, describes dorm life as generally positive, though she acknowledges the challenges of navigating cliques.
“Everybody in the dorm is welcoming, especially during your first year,” she said, but she admits, “there are a lot of cliques, and it can be hard when you’re not part of one.” She emphasizes the importance of building relationships outside your immediate friend group, saying, “You’re all 16-year-old sophomore girls, going through the same things.”
One of River’s favorite dorm traditions is Fun Fridays.
“We put something in our mugs that we make at the beginning of the year,” she shares. “It’s a great way to bond with girls outside your friend group.” Fun Fridays offer a chance for connection across groups, reminding everyone of the joy that comes from community.
However, dorm life isn’t without its challenges. River mentioned a “huge stealing problem” last year in Wold House, where many personal items went missing and only some were found. She also acknowledged the tensions that can arise from living in close quarters with friends.
“When you hang out with your best friend too much, they start to get on your nerves,” she laughs. But she notes, “At the end of the day, you love each other and have each other’s back.”
Homesickness is another common challenge. “Everybody misses their parents,” River admits, whether they live an hour away or 24 hours away. To combat these feelings, she believes in maintaining an open-door policy to create a welcoming environment.
Sarah Lucas, another sophomore in Mem East, echoes River’s feelings about the dorm atmosphere.
“For the most part, we’re all friends. Everyone says hi to each other on campus,” shesaid, emphasized the strong connection fostered by shared backgrounds and experiences.
Though she admits to feeling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) sometimes, she believes it highlights the value of her friendships.
Sarah also notes that dorm life has been crucial to her academic success.
“Study hall is really great for homework, and the library during study hours helps me and my friends stay focused,” she shares. This structured environment has not only helped her stay on top of her studies but has also strengthened her relationships with others. “I’ve made stronger connections with people I never thought I would,” she adds.
Mem East dorm parent and Director of Admission and Financial Aid, Lee Greener, highlights what makes Mem East unique.
“The unique component of our dorm is that you get to live on the main quad and feel a little bit like you’re at the center of everything,” she explains. This central location plays an important role in creating a sense of belonging for students. Greener also points out the value of students being able to transition through the different dorms over the years. “In 9th and 10th grade, you live on the res and main quad, and by 11th grade, you can decide what feels good. Maybe you move to Hathaway or go back to the [Residential Quad] in EMV.”
Mem East itself, while older, offers a special warmth. “Our dorm is cozier,” Greener says. “Not just because the rooms are smaller, but there’s a warmth here that, by virtue of us being in a more contained space, gives that vibe of closeness and connection.”
Beyond the surface-level fun and camaraderie, dorm life provides students with significant growth opportunities, both personally and academically. Greener believes that learning to live with another person is one of the biggest challenges students face.
“It’s really hard to live with another human,” she says. “The biggest growth opportunity for students is embracing difficult conversations with their roommates. Life is full of difficult conversations, and this is excellent practice for learning how to live and be with people.”
Academically, dorm life can also help students set themselves up for success. “It’s important to set up your space for productivity,” Greener explains. “It can be easy to get distracted, but also easy to thrive in the right environment.”
Living in a dorm like Mem East, with its traditions, cozy atmosphere, and intentional community-building, helps students not only excel academically but also grow as individuals. Dorm life at Williston prepares students for the challenges and joys of life beyond school—whether that’s navigating difficult relationships, embracing independence, or learning how to set yourself up for success.