Choosing where to live is an important part of the college experience. One Rowan University student shares how living in Holly Pointe Commons introduced her to gender-inclusive housing and challenged her expectations, ultimately creating a comfortable and positive residential experience.
My roommate and I chose Holly Pointe Commons knowing that it was going to be the fresh and new housing on campus. Little did we know, at the time of choosing, that Holly Pointe promoted the growing concept and reality of all gender living. This gender inclusive lifestyle encompasses co-ed rooming and bathrooms, acknowledging the diversity of the student body by providing a safe, comfortable, and accepting living environment for all.
First Impressions of Gender-Inclusive Living
When our friends discovered that we were planning to live in Holly Pointe, the first thing they questioned was, “How do you feel about the all gender bathroom situation?” This living environment didn’t even faze us until that question was constantly asked; considering this concept was different from every living situation we’ve previously have been offered at Rowan. We weren’t bothered by the all gender inclusive dorm rooms, but we started to wonder what it would be like sharing both shower and bathroom facilities with boys who lived on our floor. We had visions of the embarrassing moments of running from the shower to our room with nothing but our shower caddy in hand and wrapped in our skimpy towels, trying to avoid eye contact with any male we happened to come across. As you could probably imagine, we became pretty alarmed by this prospect.
Adjusting to a New Living Experience
Just our luck, on move-in day we discovered our room was sandwiched between two male rooms and located directly across from the all gender facilities. For the first week or so, my roommate and I would walk all the way across the hall to use the women-only facilities which are available at all times. However, with the three months that have passed, I now found myself using the all gender bathrooms without even a second thought. To my surprise, sharing a sink and mirror next to a fellow male resident isn’t at all weird or awkward. It now is just a natural and comfortable daily occurrence that doesn’t even cross my mind.
So, when you’re considering which dorm is right for you, don’t let the conventional influences and questioning of others push you away from choosing Holly Pointe just because of its all gender living situations. Rowan University has done a great job of providing a state-of-the-art residence hall, giving options for gender inclusive housing in a traditional environment. It has been an eye-opening experience for myself, allowing me to step outside my comfort zone and step into an all gender residence hall!
By: Caroline B. Liberal Studies: Humanities/Social Science (Sociology/Public Relations in the Workplace) Major, Advertising Minor
About Rowan
Since its founding in 1923, Rowan University has evolved from a teacher preparation college to a public research institution ranked among the top 100 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. Rowan University offers bachelor’s through doctoral degrees and professional certificates in person and online to nearly 25,000 students through its main campus in Glassboro and its eight other locations in southern New Jersey. Rowan focuses on practical research at the intersection of health care, engineering, science and business, while ensuring excellence in undergraduate education. The University has earned national recognition for innovation; commitment to high-quality, affordable education; and the development of public-private partnerships. A Carnegie-classified R2 (high research activity) institution, Rowan is the fastest-growing public research university in the Northeast and among the nation’s top 10 fastest-growing, as reported by The Chronicle of Higher Education. In 2025, Rowan opened New Jersey’s only veterinary school and is one of only two universities in the nation to offer M.D., D.O., and D.V.M. medical degrees.