Blackwell
Exterior of Blackwell Residence Hall.
Blackwell is home to approximately 185 first-year students on Duke's East Campus. Built in 1994, the building is named for Blackwell Park, the original Durham County fairground and the eventual home of Trinity College in 1892. Like all other residence 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, along with Bell Tower and Randolph, is part of the East Neighborhood 4.
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 Blackwell Faculty-in-Residence is Professor John Martin, who teaches in the Department of History.
Blackwell At A Glance
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 suggested the use of storage 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 spaces.
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 Blackwell 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 at any one of the national chain stores located nearby. There are several national chain stores nearby campus where you can purchase everything you may need.
- You may choose to loft your bed to create more space in your room. Please refer to our lofting options and policies for more information.
If you would like 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 one on each side of the doorway. These closets do not have typical doors. 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 a great place for studying or for having a cell phone conversation without disturbing your roommate.