The Commons: What Do They Have in Common?

Oct 13, 2020 • Graham B.

The Residential Commons are the newest addition to Liberty University housing. While the three Commons do have a lot in common, there are some key differences that may help you decide which one you want to live in.

Commons I

Commons I was the first to be built back in 2014. It is located right next door to the Vines Center and is the closest to the academic buildings of the three Commons. It is eight stories high, with the brother and sister dorms intersecting to form the building into an L shape. Where the two hallways intersect on each floor, there is a common area where both the brother and sister dorms can hang out. Members of the opposite sex are not allowed to enter into each other’s hallways, but can be in the common area together. This is a great spot to meet friends, play games, watch movies, or do homework. At curfew each night, residents must return to their hallways and cannot stay out in the common area.

One of the major perks of Commons I is that on the first floor, there is a Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins. You can spend Plus Swipes as well as Dining Dollars, Flames Cash, or normal cash here without ever having to leave your dorm!

Commons II

Commons II has the same layout as Commons I, but with minor updates. Commons II was built in 2016 directly up the hill from Commons I. It has all of the same features as Commons I, but with a slightly more modern feel. The ground floor of Commons II does not have a Dunkin’, but has the Office of Residence Life instead.

Commons III

Commons III, built in 2017, is much different than its predecessors. Instead of the L-shape layout, Commons III has a horseshoe shape, with the brother and sister dorms running parallel and a long common area connecting them at the base. This is why students here refer to it as the “shoe.” The building has six levels, each of them containing a common area for boys and a common area for girls. The first floor contains the large common area that connects the brother dorms to the sister dorms. Men and women are allowed in each other’s common areas, except after curfew when they must return to their own hall or common area.

The ground floor of Commons III contains both the Student Health Center as well as 245 ONE-FIVE Express, which offers package pick-up, shipping, and printing services.

No matter which Residential Commons you choose to live in, you will be joining and creating a strong community with your neighbors on your hall. Not to mention, they have really nice college dorm rooms! I lived in both Commons II and Commons III, and stayed in Commons I for College For A Weekend (CFAW). Trust me, you will love your time in the Commons!