The freshman housing experience is often either a treasured or terrible memory for many college students, and it’s where students begin to find their first sense of community on campus. Elon University has eight residential neighborhoods, five of which are open to freshmen. These neighborhoods boast varying themes and traditions, creating the opportunity for students to bond and connect with one another. 

    

GLOBAL 
Clare Grant | Elon News Network
An aerial view of the Global Neighborhood.

Adjacent to Lake Mary Nell and the Loy Center is the Global Neighborhood. This neighborhood is full of LLCs — ASHES, African diaspora, creative arts, international, performing arts and polyglot — all located within its five residence halls. These buildings surround Global Commons, a beloved study spot and classroom space on campus. Global also neighbors Lakeside Dining Hall, where a different culture’s cuisine is served each week. The neighborhood is made up of primarily freshmen and sophomores. Its theme for the 2021-22 academic school year is “wellness with/in the world.” 

Fun Fact: The flags around the neighborhood represent Elon’s global community. 

    

HISTORIC 
Clare Grant | Elon News Network

At the core of Elon’s original campus, Historic Neighborhood connects the university with its beginnings. The neighborhood has six residence halls, 96% of which are filled with freshmen. It is located near Academic Village and The McEwen School of Communications, as well as Downtown Elon. Neighborhood amenities include the McEwen Dining Hall and LaRose Commons. There are three Living Learning Communities: communications, sports management and outdoor learning. The neighborhood’s theme is Elon traditions and history. 

Fun Fact: Historic is home to the oldest building on Elon’s campus, West Hall. West is the only building still standing from the 1922 fire that gives the university its mascot of the Phoenix. 

    

EAST 
Clare Grant | Elon News Network
An aerial view of the East Neighborhood

Built in 2018, East Neighborhood is Elon’s newest student neighborhood. With three residence halls, the neighborhood is the host of four LLCs: PAIDEIA, service, honors pavilion and the Elon College fellows. Like Historic, East is made up of 96% freshmen students. East is located just past the Academic Village, next to the Jimmy Powell Tennis Center. 

Fun Fact: The neighborhood is a hub for civic engagement and social innovation. 

    

COLONNADES 
Jacob Kisamore | Elon News Network

With Clohan dining hall and the Fountain Market as its nearest dining options, the Colonnades Neighborhood values sustainability. It is also home to the Koury Business Center. Within the neighborhood’s five residence halls there are many LLCs; business, examining disparities, innovation, gender and sexuality, honors floor, STEM and sustainable living. Colonnades Neighborhood can be found past the Inman Admissions Building. 

Fun Fact: The neighborhood is named after Elon University’s literary magazine, the Colonnades Literary and Art Journal. 

    

DANIELEY CENTER 
Jacob Kisamore | Elon News Network

The Danieley Center neighborhood may seem far from the heart of campus, but that doesn’t count it out. Danieley can be found past the Colonnades Neighborhood, and it is made up of apartment and flat 

style residence halls. The neighborhood’s Daniel Commons houses two of Elon’s retail dining options: Qdoba Mexican Eats and Einstein Brothers Bagels. Danieley Center also surrounds Elon’s second lake, Lake Verona. 

Fun Fact: The neighborhood is named after President Emeritus J. Earl Danieley.