About Ashdown House

Background

• Read a Detailed History

Ashdown House is not only the oldest dormitory for graduate students at MIT - it is also the coolest. Many graduate students who live on and off campus recognize Ashdown House as one of the most active organizations for graduate students. We are known for a wide range of events and programming...there's something going on in the dorm 3-4 nights a week! Other parts of this site have information on specific aspects of life at Ashdown, but here's a summary of some of the issues important to prospective graduate students:

Ashdown House lies along the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge and looks accross the Harvard Bridge towards Boston. It is conveniently located directly across Mass Ave from the main MIT buildings.

Ashdown House, which is named after Avery Ashdown (our first House Master), was originally an old hotel. It still retains much of its old charm. During World War II, it also served time as an Navy barracks. Today, Ashdown is home to over 400 graduate students from all around the world.

The current House Masters are Dr. Terry and Ann Orlando. The Orlandos contribute greatly to the sense of community that Ashdown residents feel by hosting weekly coffee hours and frequent house dinners.

Rooms

• PHOTOS of Ashdown rooms

New residents will be assigned to double or triple rooms -- single rooms are reserved for residents with seniority. If the idea of a triple room seems unnappealing, realize that these rooms are actually two connected rooms with plenty of space for everyone. Rooms at Ashdown vary considerably, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. Some are large, some are quiet, some have a great view, and some are in a suite with a kitchen. Most suites are co-ed and all rooms are single-sex, however single-sex suites are available upon request.

Residents with seniority may enter a lottery for large double rooms (with a river view) or singles. Typically, it takes ~4 points to win a small single and ~2 points to win a corner double. One seniority point is awarded for each term of residency. Residents can earn an additional point by serving as a house officer. In other words, it takes an active resident about a year to earn a single.

Though many people prefer to live in single rooms, most Ashdown residents feel that the initial compromise is outweighed by the rewarding experience of community living that Ashdown offers. Ashdown residents know their neighbors and meet other residents at the numerous events Ashdown sponsors.

If you have specific questions about room assignments, contact the House Manager.

Location

• Map

One advantage to living at Ashdown is the building's great location. In addition to being across the street from the main MIT campus, Ashdown is within walking distance to the busy neighborhoods of Central Square and Boston's Back Bay (for example, you can easily walk to a Red Sox game). Various services (post office, convenience store, etc.) are located at the nearby Student Center and a large grocery store is also several blocks away. Bus and subway service is nearby and for 85 cents takes you all over Boston. Most residents do not find that they need a car, however, some street parking is available.

Ashdown's location ensures that residents feel very much a part of the MIT community. They may easily attend campus events such as performances and movies, use MIT facilities, and commute back and forth to their labs.

Facilities

• List of Facilities

Ashdown has extensive fitness and entertainment facilities. Additionally, it should be noted that while most suites do not have kitchens, all residents may use the communal floor kitchens. Floor kitchens are a great way to catch up with friends and meet people while you cook your spagetti and most kitchens also have a TV. Residents who plan to use floor kitchens typically purchase their own small fridge and keep their food in their room.

Officerships

• List of Current Officers

Advantages to living at Ashdown

• You can live here throughout your MIT life...and many people do!
• You will know people outside your lab.
• You don't have to buy furniture.
• You might have a great roomate.
• In January you'll appreciate the short walk to campus.
• You will meet people from all over the world.
• Need an iron, a vacuum cleaner, a cot or a copy of Austin Powers? Borrow it from the dorm.
• Need a place to grill your steak, process your film, practice your trombone, pump up your pecs, or do the rhumba? We've got that too.
• There's lots of free food here.
• You'll be on a first-name-basis with faculty.
• Decent internet connections.
• You can watch Boston's famed Fourth of July Fireworks from home.