Bell Tower
Bell Tower Residence Hall
Beginning its first year of service in fall 2005, Bell Tower is home to approximately 140 first-year students on Duke's East Campus. The residence hall is named for the bell tower located at the building's northwest corner. This tower houses the 6,500-pound Trinity College Bell, foundly known as "Marse Jack" after Duke President John "Jack" Kilgo. Like all other halls on campus, Bell Tower is a co-ed residence hall with mixed gender floors. The Residence Life staff of Bell Tower includes one Graduate Resident and six Resident Assistants under the supervision of Residence Coordinator Chris Ellis.
The Faculty-in-Residence Program is one of the ways in which Duke University seeks to facilitate, to strengthen, and to expand interaction between faculty members and undergraduates beyond the classroom. The Bell Tower Faculty-in-Residence is John Brown, Assistant Professor of the Practice of Music and Director of the Duke Jazz Program.
Bell Tower At A Glance
Most rooms in Bell Tower are approximately the same size and shape. All rooms have carpeted floors and windows outfitted with blinds. In place of built-in closets, residents have mobile wardrobes that allow them to be more creative in their room configuration.
Bell Tower boasts a variety of amenities, including two quiet study rooms on each floor, as well as common "living room"- type spaces in the middle of the third and fourth floors. The second floor also houses its very own computer lab and a small library. Finally, the first floor serves as home to several large classrooms, tutoring rooms, a plasma screen media room, and a music practice room. This floor also houses the Leadership Office, the Oasis, and a Duke University Police Department substation.
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 in advance about what you each plan to bring. 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 duplicate items.
- Some past Bell Tower residents have found it helpful to bring storage containers, stackable shelves, baskets, and other organizational supplies. You may find it helpful to wait until you arrive to purchase these additional items at one of our campus stores or any one of the national chain stores located nearby.
- Remember that non university lofting systems are prohibited in Bell Tower, as your provided bed is already set up to loft, if you choose to do so.
If you would like more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Residence Coordinator Chris Ellis at christopher.ellis@duke.edu.
Bell Tower double room. Most rooms in Bell Tower are approximately the same size and shape. Not pictured here are the wardrobes at the entrance of the room.
Each resident of Bell Tower has one wardrobe like this. The wardrobes are about 5 feet wide and have both hanging storage and shelves.
Computer lab in Bell Tower
Bell Tower has two study rooms like this on each floor.