The Lassonde Institute sent out acceptance letters to 400 students this month to live in its in-the-works Lassonde Studios dorm building this coming Fall Semester.
The accepted students come from more than 45 different areas of study, including some who have experience developing medical devices, music start-ups and video games. Applicants were encouraged to demonstrate what makes them unique through a video, blog, portfolio or some other type of personal statement. For example, Adam Walz, a junior in computer science, made an animated website to show his coding ability, which you can see at lassonde.adamwalz.net.
“We are amazed by the quality of students and their excitement about joining this new group,” said Thad Kelling, spokesperson for the institute.
The Lassonde Institute, which began in 2001, received more applications for the dorms than it had expected. Located in the middle of campus, Lassonde Studios will include all of the amenities available at other housing locations. Residents can choose from a few room options: a single or double room, a loft to be shared among four people or a pod (which is placed in a studio apartment with room for 20 individual pods).
Each residential floor has a theme, and students will be placed according to their interests. One of the most anticipated aspects of the building is the garage, placed on the first floor. The garage is open to all students, whether they are involved with the institute or not. The dorms are intended to be a space where students can create and develop products while working with their peers.
“It will be a building where they can all collaborate,” Kelling said.
These plans are what drew students to the building.
Reagan Henson, an incoming freshman, was drawn to the building because of these opportunities.
“I’m looking forward to meeting new, like-minded kids that share my passion for creating,” Henson said. “I’m also looking forward to having access to amazing tools to help me create amazing things.”
Starting Feb. 10, accepted students can sign up for rooms, but they only have until March 1 to do so. Spots will then be offered to students on the wait list. Although the priority application deadline was Dec. 31, the institute is still accepting applications to fill any spots left open by those who don’t register for a room in time.
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