House Activities
The location of the Shoreland encourages a variety of house activities. From hosting a bonfire or barbeque at the Point (a lakefront park across the street from the Shoreland) to taking the CTA downtown for a performance (the CTA stop is two blocks away from the Shoreland), the Shoreland's location lends to its ability to host and encourage house fun. Also, since the Shoreland is off campus and located on 55th street, a variety of restaurants and stores are available to meet anyone's needs, from Walgreens to The Snail (Thai Food). This offers not only convenience but also an excuse to take a break from studying and walk a few blocks to pick up food or go grocery shopping with housemates. Besides, I know if I lived on campus, I could think of many excuses not to venture out and explore the Hyde Park neighborhood!Another key house activity is study breaks. While important in many dorms to relax and catch up with housemates, the Shoreland hosts the best study breaks, because most of the rooms have a full kitchen. Another weekly house activity is movie night; a lot of houses play up this weekly activity by offering a theme for the whole quarter (my house is currently showing trilogies) or by making it into a contest (last quarter all the movies were connected with a common actor, director, etc.) Additionally, the Shoreland usually attracts huge acts for Resident Masters events. With its large size, the Shoreland has attracted The Second City comedy troupe and various musical acts. Furthermore, the Resident Masters are able to secure tickets to hot events (i.e. Monty Python's Spamalot), and the tickets are made available at hugely subsidized prices.
The houses in Shoreland have a lot of pride and this leads to tightly-bonded communities. In my house, anyways, we always try to outdo every other house in any activity, whether it be in intramurals or in completing the housing survey, which awards cash to the house with the most participants. As a result of this pride, the houses in the Shoreland usually at least attempt to include everyone in various contests, so that they have a chance to claim the top prize. However, if you are not willing to participate, this is fine, but you will definitely be invited directly or through the house listhost to upcoming events. Additionally, the houses in Shoreland usually include around sixty or so students. This is not too large a number, so you will most likely meet everyone on your floor. Another advantage is that the Shoreland houses only encompass one floor, so this will make your quest for meeting your housemates easier. Everyone will use the same elevator!
And last but not least, one of the best ways to bond with your house and your dorm is Scav Hunt. In fact, all of the captains for Scav Hunt are on my floor (one is already planning her dumpster-diving outings!), so you better believe I will be involved in this madness. No house activity can compare to Scav Hunt, especially in the Shoreland, where the only other main rival is Max P. With Scav Hunt you will learn the quirks and the talents of many housemates by completing the most random of tasks.
Below are a few house websites, with pictures, minutes from house meetings, activities, and links: