Think about the colonial estates you learned about in history class: grand, white buildings with tall columns, long porches, and rows of rocking chairs. This is historic Front Quad. Thanks to its stunning architecture and rich history—East Hall was built in 1856—the Quad is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though living in a historic dorm can sometimes be frustrating—the heaters clank, the floors creak, and the stairs tilt—most students find the experience unique and beautiful.
Buildings outside Front Quad are much more modern. The state-of-the-art library offers four spacious floors full of nooks, private study rooms, a loft, and screening rooms. The Visual Arts Center (VAC), brand new in 2004, is another impressive modern building that houses video editing rooms, photography dark rooms, spacious drawing and painting studios, and much more. Across the street is the Moody Student Center, home to Moody cafeteria and The Rat, a huge lounge in the basement. The chairs, couches, televisions, computers, pool table, bookstore, coffee shop, and snack bar draw in many students throughout the day and evening, though it is hardly ever crowded.
A few buildings could stand some renovation. Most students agree that the Dana Science Building wins the prize for the ugliest place on campus thanks to the black cage that surrounds it. No one knows why the architects put it there. Another outcast building is Turner. Its hallways are narrow and sloping, the lounge is full of low-quality furniture, and the whole facility smells a bit like a musty sock drawer.
Overall, no one could ever call Hollins ugly; in fact, the campus's beauty is what draws many students to the school in the first place. Living in the historical dorm buildings and attending classes in (usually) up-to-date facilities create the perfect balance of charm and modernity.