In my first year at Florida State, I had the opportunity to visit every residence hall on campus. Here’s how I would rank the halls based on their proximity, aesthetic, and overall vibe!
Traditions
Traditions is a gorgeous building that provides students with a remarkable view of the Doak S. Campbell Stadium from their windows. Opening in July of 2012, it’s the newest of the apartment-style dorms. This hall is perfect for students who enjoy working out and getting to know new people, as it’s only about a two-minute walk away from the Leach Student Recreation Center and right across the street from Askew!
Cawthon
It seems like an unpopular opinion putting Cawthon—built in 1948—so high on the list, but the charm of this dorm is incomparable to the others. As soon as you walk into the building, you’re surrounded by the incredible music of the students that participate in the living-learning community that occupies the first two floors and the alleged ghosts that roam the halls. Cawthon is also the residence hall closest to the Strozier Library and Chick-fil-a!
Azalea/Magnolia
Azalea and Magnolia are the two newest residence halls at FSU. These dorms were built in 2017, the sister buildings are known for their flat-screen TVs and plenty of comfortable places to sit in their beautiful, modern lounge areas. In addition, Azalea has its own 24,000-square-foot dining area referred to by students as 1851. Here, students can choose to eat at Bento Sushi, Starbucks, Tally Mac Shack, Tuscan Eatery or Vato Tacos, all of which are delicious and never fail to disappoint!
Dorman/Deviney
I may be biased since I’m currently living in this complex, but you can’t go wrong with either Dorman or Deviney. Both buildings were built in 2015 and are identical to Azalea and Magnolia, minus the built-in dining hall. They are the halls closest to the UPS Store so picking up your mail is no hassle. Plus, FSU’s version of Denny’s—The Den—is located right across the street, making it fun to occasionally run over in the middle of the night and grab a late-night snack!
Landis/Gilchrist
Landis and Gilchrist—built in 1939 and 1926, respectively—have some of the best views of the entire campus. Located in between Landis Green and the renowned Sweet Shop, these buildings bring back the old-school FSU feeling that captivates anyone who steps through their doors. The two residence halls mainly house honors students, however—if you’re lucky—you may be able to score yourself a room in one of these stunning buildings!
Ragans
Ragans is the second-highest apartment-style building on this list. The four buildings that comprise of the complex—each built in 2003—encompass a gorgeous courtyard that has plenty of sitting areas that can be used to get to know some of the other 554 students that live there or get some homework done on a sunny day. Additionally, Ragans is the closest hall to The Nine, one of Tallahassee’s most popular clubs among students at FSU!
Jennie Murphee/Reynolds
Jennie Murphee and Reynolds—built in 1921 and 1911, respectively—are alluring buildings, both on the inside and outside. They are just across the street from Mina Jo Powell Green, an area that can be utilized by students if they want somewhere to chill that provides a more peaceful atmosphere than Landis Green. If you’re ever feeling like you need extra guidance in a class, Reynolds houses the Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) Learning Studio where you’ll have access to free tutoring!
Broward/Bryan
Broward and Bryan—built in 1917 and 1907, respectively—are two of the oldest buildings on campus. Both buildings have a medieval feel, as they look like miniature castles with crenels and merlons found all around the roof. My favorite part of Broward and Bryan, however, is the fact that they are right next to the Suwannee dining hall. When Florida experiences all the vicious rainstorms it gets in the summer, living in one of these residence halls will ensure you’ll be able to grab some food while staying dry!
Wildwood
Built in 2007, Wildwood is usually known as the party hall due to its proximity to Doak S. Campbell Stadium. The residents of the two buildings that make up Wildwood may enjoy the short walk to the stadium to participate in tailgate parties and all the excitement that comes with attending a football game at FSU. The ambiance surrounding Wildwood makes living, and even just visiting, the residence hall so enjoyable!
Degraff
Degraff—built in 2007—is one of the most unique residence halls, being that it is located across Tennessee St. but still falls within campus parameters. While it may be a pain having to cross the busy street or take the tunnel to campus every morning, residents can enjoy their evenings by hanging out at the nearby McDonald’s or Munchies Pizza. However, what I heard is the best part of living in Degraff is its short distance to the Strip, a place where students can connect and let loose after a long week!
Rogers/McCollum
Built in 1965 and 1975, respectively, Rogers and McCollum are apartment-style residence halls that offer students plenty of space to relax. In addition to the spacious rooms each student is given, there are multiple study spaces inside the building and tables outside with umbrellas that block out the intense Florida sun. If residents are feeling adventurous, it only takes a couple of minutes to walk to Jimmy John’s, Burger King and Pong’s Boba Tea, all located just off campus!
Salley
Considered by most as the worst hall on campus, Salley—built in 1962—isn’t as bad as most people make it out to be. Those who live in this hall typically quickly form tight relationships with one another due to how far away it is from most of the other halls offered to freshmen. Additionally, Salley is practical for people going into stem fields, as most of the math and science buildings are within a five-minute walk. My favorite part of Salley—however—is how it’s next door to Seminole Café, a dining hall that offers any type of cuisine imaginable!
There you have it; that’s my personal ranking of the best and worst dorms on campus. At the end of the day though, no matter where you end up living on, it’s important you make the most out of your space and make it your own!
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