Students Live Amid Construction

Sophomore Nicole Kershner, a resident of Ruffin Residence Hall, said the noise created by the construction wakes her and her roommates up daily.

"I'm right next to the construction," Kershner said. "It's horrible. Even with the windows down, it's so loud."

The construction crews work not only during the week but also on the weekends, which some students say is bothersome. "(The noise) doesn't affect me during the week because I have early classes," said junior April Ramsey, a resident of Alderman Residence Hall. "But on the weekends when I want to catch up on my sleep, it bothers me."

For other students, the noise doesn't interfere with their sleeping habits.

"I'm on the back side of the building, so I can't really hear the noise in the morning," said sophomore Lauren Albea, another Alderman resident.

Director of Housing and Residential Education Christopher Payne said the construction is part of an 18-month steam line upgrade project, which started in spring 2001. The project is 43 percent complete, and construction around Spencer, Alderman, Kenan and McIver residence halls is slated to continue throughout the rest of the year.

The noise created by the construction can also take its tolls on student study habits, although many students said they move to quieter locations to avoid the distraction.

"(The noise) got annoying when I was trying to read, so I'd usually go to the library," said freshman Jennifer Baldwin, a resident of Spencer Residence Hall.

But as with sleeping, the noise didn't bother other students while studying. "It is pretty loud and annoying, but nothing bothers me too much," said sophomore Fabio Ortiz, a resident of Stacy Residence Hall. "Once I'm focused on the reading, it's not that loud."

Construction not only causes issues with noise, it also creates physical inconveniences for students. To ensure student safety, crews have blocked some of the major sidewalks and doorways to a few residence halls.

"I used to walk around Connor (Residence Hall) to get to the Pit area, but I can't anymore," said freshman Rachel Boren, a resident of Cobb Residence Hall. "Now I have to go around and cross Raleigh Street. It's a hassle, but it's OK."

Residents of Alderman also say that the construction makes it more difficult to get to their area office, located in Kenan. "The front door is blocked, so it's hard to go to Kenan to do things like check out a broom or pick up packages," Ramsey said. "You have to go around behind the building."

Some students also complain that the construction is simply messy and unsightly. "You can't go out front, and the lawn is all messed up," Albea said. "It's muddy, and it's not attractive, but it's something that has to be done."

Though construction around Spencer, Alderman, Kenan and McIver will continue throughout the year, crews working in the upper quad plan to be done by February, and grounds crews will be restoring the grass.

Despite the distractions and mess caused by the construction, students say it will be worthwhile in the end.

Ortiz said, "It's for a good cause, so it's all good."