To the outside onlooker, the four distinct commons of Colgate University may stand as a humorous parallel to the four houses of Hogwarts. Dividing the first-year class into the commons system fosters a greater sense of community and familiarity that allows students to have a point of connection through proximity and their shared black bear mascot. 

Hancock Commons was established in 2016, being the second commons officiated following the creation of Ciccone Commons in 2015 and includes the Bryan Complex and the 113 Broad Street Complex. 

Hancock is particularly unique for having residential houses slightly off of the central academic campus space, earning its place among “down the hill” residences, which makes it especially convenient for Hancock residents to reach the gym and parking lot. 

Sophomore Maddie Mason has now lived in the 113 Broad Street Complex for two years and reflected on how the location of Hancock buildings impacts the community and its residents. 

“Because of the fact that the Hancock Commons buildings are slightly farther away from the main campus than most other underclassmen dorms, I believe our commons has a special community,” Mason said. “Most of my friends are also members of Hancock, and I really appreciate the camaraderie that exists inside the dorms.”

Both complexes contain suite-style dorm rooms, allowing suitemates to form stronger bonds with each other and also having the benefit of a private bathroom. 

First-year Cora Clouser, who currently resides in a suite in Bryan Complex, further commented on the advantages of the room style.

“The suites at Bryan are surprisingly spacious,” Clouser said. “We love to decorate our dorm, and having a shared bathroom that connects our three rooms makes our suite feel like a mini apartment.”

In addition to the residential spaces, the Bryan Complex also has a basement level that connects to the Edge Café. With a kitchen, common space, study rooms and a ping pong table, it creates a convenient hangout spot for residents of Bryan and 113. Students can often be found watching shows on the TV in the study room or cooking up late-night snacks in the kitchen.

Mason recalled a memorable moment in this space from living in Hancock Commons.

“[I remember] trying to bake in the small kitchen in Bryan. Because I live in 113, my friends and I had to carefully carry our freshly baked goods out in the cold and back down the hill to our dorm, very nearly dropping everything on the way,” Mason said. “It’s funny how much you take for granted having a kitchen available nearby until you no longer have one, but it certainly creates fond memories with friends.”

The common spaces and intimate living situations within Hancock Commons foster tight bonds and memories between the students who live there. Although Hancock residential buildings may be quite a trek away from dining halls and classes, the connections made make the extra walk worthwhile.

First-year Isabella Figueroa, who also currently lives in a suite in Bryan Complex, shared her experience of living in Hancock Commons. 

“I feel grateful to have been placed in Hancock Commons because I love the living situation and community,” Figueroa said. “I feel like I have a special connection with everyone who lives in this part of campus.”

The withdrawn location of Bryan Complex and 113 allows residents to have a balance between having a social life and a space to unwind away from the academic quad. By being further than other residential buildings, it allows residents of Hancock to have space away from the bustle of campus. 

Hancock Commons is truly special with its unique dorm structure and strong sense of community, and any Colgate student is lucky if the sorting hat places them in Hancock.