Amazing Freshman Experience at the River Inn
By: Esther Gaines, Residence Life
Gonzaga University Housing and Residence Life has used the River Inn for nine of the previous 15 years for 1st and 2nd year students. Our relationship with the owners of the facility is both collaborative and well-seasoned. Students assigned to the River Inn will join the almost 400 freshmen and sophomore students living within a few hundred feet together on the west end of campus. The River Inn will host only 1st year students this year, and thus will feel like a traditional 1st year experience building.
The following is a statement that was sent to us by the most recent RA who lived in and built community at the River Inn:
“Looking back on my experience, I can honestly tell you that it was one of the best memories I have of Gonzaga. My residents were so awesome and we had one of the most tight-knit communities of any residence hall. My residents participated in all of our events and we even won Freshmen Games!” ~Simeng Wang
This has been the common sentiment of staff and students living in the River Inn community. Considering that the above statement was written when only 40 students were living there, this year, River Inn will host 140 1st year students which is likely to make it feel even more like a typical on-campus living experience. The River Inn is considered to be part of on-campus housing when we use it and receives access to all of the same services as our other Residence Halls.
A few other cool things about the River Inn include in-room showers, in room AC and heat, and a larger room space than any other 1st year student building. In addition, all campus television, phone, and internet will be provided. The residents will have in-hall laundry access, a lounge for studying and hang-out time, keyless entry (increasing the safety around key control), university maintenance and custodial services, and university security patrolling the building and parking lot along with all of our other Residence Halls.
We are very excited to welcome students to the River Inn. It is truly a rewarding and life changing experience for the residents, and we look forward to seeing this experience unfold within the larger group of 1st year students campus wide!