Enhancing the “Full Student Experience”

Students living in Harrington Hall have a bright, modern, and inclusive residence to call home.

After a year of renovations, Harrington opened its doors for the 2017-2018 school year and the upgrades were extensive.

Rebecca Kingston, a Harrington Hall Residence Advisor, said the renovations have made the building a true “home away from home.”

“The space feels brighter and more welcoming, thanks in part to the modern furniture and the bright colour palette,” she said.

“People who live here are always in the new lounges socializing or hanging out in their rooms with the doors open, while the people who don't live here are always asking to come see it.”

See photo gallery, here: http://smu.gs/2kDTEda

Harrington Hall is the largest capacity residence on campus and as a result was the most in need of upgrades. The general layout of the building is the same, but walls, floors, and heating systems have been updated.

The newly renovated Harrington also includes upgraded residence rooms, a kitchenette, modernized theme lounge and study areas, improved washroom layouts, as well as gender neutral washrooms.

“The designated study lounges make it easy for people to get work done and the kitchen makes it easy if you and your friends want to make dinner or if you need a midnight snack,” Kingston said.

Emily Blue, Harrington Hall’s Residence Coordinator, said the additions will have a positive influence on campus life and the residence experience for students.

“There are social lounges which have a variety of seating options and provide a space for residents to build friendships and to relax in. From all-gender bathrooms to extra-large bathrooms these renovations have taken into account the full student experience.”

Scott Duguay, St. Thomas University Associate Vice-President Enrollment Management, said the advisory committee for the renewal project wanted to ensure what students found most important would be included in the updates.

“The most important things to students were individually controlled bedroom heating, flexible furniture, improved sound proofing, bathrooms that offer more privacy, the addition of a full-feature kitchen, good wireless internet, and better lighting throughout,” he said.

“I’m happy to say all of these things came to life in the renovated Harrington, and we hope students will enjoy them for years to come.”