Co-ed housing provides unique living experience

While co-ed dorm rooms are not offered at IU, members of the opposite sex can live together on campus in apartments such as Tulip Tree of Redbud Hill, said Residential Programs and Services Executive Director Patrick Connor.

“There is no written policy on mix-gender cohabitation,” Connor said. “The option is possible upon request during application process.”

However, Connor said it is rare for a request of mixed-gender cohabitation.

“We get some request for older brothers and younger brothers and older sisters and younger sisters, but rarely an older brother and younger sister,” he said.

While members of the opposite sex can’t live together in the dorms at IU, they can choose to live together in apartments or houses, both on and off campus.

“I live with a guy who I am really good friends with, and it is the best,” sophomore Janay Ladson said. “When living amongst females, it is this natural catty environment that I just wish to avoid, and living with a guy has the perfect balance.”

Juniors Justin Watkins and Austin Gibson share a three-bedroom townhouse with a woman

“It’s a lot more different than I expected it to be,” Gibson said. “We have to watch what we do and especially say because girls can be a tad bit more sensitive than guys.”
Resident Assistant Franquie Rhodes said it’s important to consider the type of relationship before moving in with someone.

“I feel people romantically involved should not be able to live with one another in dorms because if they break up, it could cause an unhealthy environment in the room,” she said. “However, I do strongly support co-ed floors. I believe it allows our residents to learn more about the opposite sex, meet more people and create healthier bonds.”

Co-ed floors have been a positive option for IU. Connor said there are fewer damages and fewer policies broken on co-ed floors.

IU offers co-ed floors, co-ed dorms, single gender floors and single gender dorms, Connor said.

Senior Andrew Youngblood lived with three women in a house last year, and said that overall it was a good experience.

“I would suggest it to others,” Youngblood said. “Regardless of whether it is a good or bad experience, you learn more about women because of their different perspective.”