Welcome to McCormick Hall
The purpose of this wiki is to provide information to first-year McCormick residents about the experience here. The initial content is populated from the McCormick "pre-frosh" FAQ. The content is dynamic, and will be changed as new questions come up. In addition, there are opportunities for you to post comments under each section --- so if you figure out something you want to share with your new housemates, you can just add it.
The Facility
- How many people share a bathroom?
- Do I have to clean the toilet?
# - Are there public computers?
- How many kitchens are there?
- What eating options are available?
- What can I recycle?
- How much does it cost to do laundry?
Your room
What should I bring?
We recommend the following:
Personal Essentials - personal toiletries, shower bucket, first aid kit
Your Room - egg crate bed pad, twin extra long sheets, pillow cases, blankets, laundry bag/basket
Electronics - desk lamp, power supply source, batteries and flash light, alarm clock
Kitchen - bowls, cups, eating utensils
Clothes - heavy winter jacket, gloves, hat, scarf, sturdy walking shoes, warm socks
Remember, McCormick Hall does not participate in REX so the room that you are assigned will be your permanent room for the semester. Thus, you can feel free to bring as much (or as less) as you want. However, unless you have a car, purchasing large appliances (e.g. mini-fridge or a/c) or kitchen utensils will be a hassle. Most supplies that you need can be purchased online and delivered to the dorm.
Are there charges for phone service?
There are new charges for room phone service.
Information on dorm room phones/charges
Information on Cellular Phones at MIT
How do I get internet access?
Internet access will be available once you move into your room. Each room has an ethernet port and wireless access. More information will be provided to you once you are on campus.
Do I have to clean my room?
No. But your neighbors would be very grateful if you kept your room if not organized then at least non-smelly. Remember that the custodians will not clean your room for you! So, stock up on towels, dusters/swiffer wiper and cleaning agents.
How many people share a bathroom?
East Tower - There are two bathrooms per floor. Each bathroom has 2 toilet stalls, two showers and 1 bath. There are about 19 girls per floor.
West Tower - There are two bathrooms per floor. Each bathroom has 3 toilet stalls, two showers and 1 bath. There are about 22 girls per floor.
Do I have to clean the toilet?
No. The custodians will clean the bathroom every weekday morning. However, please be courteous and hygenic to your floormates by keeping the toilets and bathroom as clean as possible.
Which bathrooms are women only, co-ed and men only?
All bathrooms on the residential floors are women only by default. Each semester, the floor meets to decide whether the bathrooms are women only or co-ed. There is a men only bathroom on the first floor.
Are there public computers?
Yes, there is an Athena cluster with 8 Athena computers and a printer on the first floor.
How many kitchens are there?
Annex - 1 kitchen on the first floor
East Tower - 2 kitchens per floor
West Tower - 1 kitchen per floor
What eating options are available?
There is a dining hall on the first floor. All McCormick residents are required to purchase the dining plan which subsize half of the cost of dining hall meals from all participating dorms (Next House, Simmons, Baker, McCormick). McCormick Dining is open from 5pm to 8pm.
You can also purchase food from the Student Center. On the first floor, there is a grocery store (La Verde's), a Mexican place (Anna's Tacqueria), a grill (Cambridge Grill), and Dunkin' Donuts. On the second floor, there is the food court which contains an Indian, Japanese and Middle Eastern station and Subway. MIT Dining and the Student Center accepts Techcash. Many restuarants also deliver to MIT. A list of restuarants is available at Campus Food. You can also cook in the McCormick kitchens. Larger, close grocery store include Shaw's by the MIT Hotel and Whole Foods past Next House on Memorial Drive.
What can I recycle?
There is a recycling bin for paper and a recycling bin for containers (plastic, paper, glass, metal) in every kitchen. On the doorknob of every kitchen, there is also a black and white checkered bag to place plastic bags. The bags can be taken to Shaw's for recycling.
How much does it cost to do laundry?
Washing and drying both cost 75 cents each. The laundry room is in the basement.