Blackwell

 

Exterior of Blackwell Residence Hall. 

Blackwell is home for approximately 185 first-year students on Duke's East Campus. Built in 1994 the building is named for Blackwell Park, once the Durham County fairground, and then in 1892, the new home for Trinity College. Like all other halls on campus, Blackwell is co-ed, with male and female students living in different wings on the same floor. The Residence Life staff of Blackwell includes one Graduate Resident and six Resident Assistants under the supervision of Residence Coordinator Chris Ellis.  Blackwell is part of the East 4 Neighborhood along with Bell Tower and Randolph.

The Faculty-in-Residence Program is one of the ways in which Duke University seeks to facilitate, strengthen, and expand interaction between faculty members and undergraduates beyond the classroom. The Blackwell Faculty-in-Residence is Professor John Martin who teaches in the Department of History.

Blackwell At A Glimpse

All rooms in Blackwell are carpeted and are approximately the same size and shape.  One unique feature of Blackwell is that the closets are an open concept design meaning that they do not have traditional closet doors.  Most students choose to bring a spring-loaded curtain rod and a curtain to close off their closet space.  Students have also suggested crates as a great way to utilize the shelving above the closet.

Blackwell is one of three air conditioned buildings on East Campus.  The building has two large common rooms and two common area kitchens.  Blackwell also houses four multipurpose seminar rooms and numerous study rooms.

Other Helpful Tips

- Basics and More:  alarm clock, shower caddy or organizer, shower shoes, towels, bedding, flashlight, surge protector, Ethernet cord, clothes hangers….the basic items that you will need day-to-day
- You may want to bring: small refrigerator, microwave, television, DVD Player, game system, a live plant, bean bag chair, extra pillows, etc. 
- If you have a roommate talk about what you each plan on brining.  For example, you really do not need two refrigerators or two televisions.  Having these discussions will help you to save space in your room by not bringing two of everything. 
- Some past Blackwell residents have found it helpful to bring storage containers, stackable shelves, baskets, etc, to better organize, clothes, food, supplies, etc.  You may find it helpful to wait until you arrive and get unpacked before you purchase additional items for your room.  There are several national chain stores nearby campus where you can purchase everything you may need.
- You may choose to purchase a loft system to raise your bed and help create more space in your room.  There are typically several off campus vendors that have lofts available to sell during move-in.  Take note that Duke does not provide these lofts, nor is Duke responsible for their assembly, upkeep, or disassembly/removal.    


For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Residence Coordinator Chris Ellis at christopher.ellis@duke.edu.

 

Typical double room in Blackwell and Randolph.  Most rooms in these two buildings are approximately the same size. The students in this room chose to loft one of the beds in order to create more space for a futon they brought from home.

Another double room in Blackwell.   

 

A single room in Blackwell. 

 

Each room has a closet like this on each side of the doorway.  The closets do not have doors so most students put up a shower curtain on a tension rod or just leave it open. 

 

   Every floor contains a corner window seat which is great for studying or having a cell phone conversation without disturbing your roommate.