To celebrate the spaces our students call home, we asked seven Resident Advisors to share their top pick from their respective residence halls.
Drawing from their firsthand experience living and working in these buildings, each RA highlights one feature they believe sets their hall apart, whether it is a favorite gathering space, a quiet corner to recharge, or a detail students might walk past every day without noticing.
Here are their picks...
Sebastian House
Resident Advisor | Abby Surber, Senior Media Studies and Cinematic Arts Major
"When asked about the best features of Sebastian House, I would be remiss not to mention the Sebastian pool, closely followed by the wind chimes hanging from a third-floor balcony.
While the pool may not be getting much attention right now due to cooler temperatures and a lack of interest in a polar plunge, it quickly becomes a popular gathering spot once the weather warms. It is often filled with residents looking to have fun between classes and other activities. The pool serves as a great location for hall events, soaking up the sun, and spending time with friends. Many students choose Florida for college because of the sunshine and water, so it is especially nice to have that right at home.”
Ponce de Leon Hall
Resident Advisor | Bee Archer, Sophomore Psychology and Criminology Major
"The Ponce rotunda is my absolute favorite part of Ponce. It is made up of many small details that come together to showcase its beauty. With so much history and so much to see, I continue to notice something new every time I walk through.
I also love sitting on the upper level of the rotunda (the mezzanine). Whether I am working on homework, connecting with residents, or simply relaxing, it is my favorite place on campus to sit.”
Lewis House
Resident Advisor | Adrianna Peluso, Senior Coastal Environmental Science & Biology Major
"Lewis House has many standout features, which makes it my favorite residence hall on the Flagler College campus. My favorite is the communal kitchen on the third floor. During my freshman year, one of my roommates would occasionally cook dinner for us, and I would bake cookies with friends. In my first year as an RA, during my junior year, I was assigned to the second floor, but I still used the third-floor kitchen for programs, including a very successful slime night. Residents came and went throughout the hour, music played on the TV, and grab-and-go snacks lined the countertops.
During my second year as an RA, in the fall of my senior year, we hosted a building wide taco night in the kitchen. We used the stove and oven to cook the ingredients and keep everything warm until residents arrived for the taco bar.
Beyond my own use of the space, I often see residents gathering in the kitchen. One Valentine’s Day, a resident baked cake pops for the entire building and arranged them in the shape of a heart on the kitchen island. They even included a list of ingredients, with several treats made allergy-friendly. With the laundry room right next door, I have also seen couples cooking for a small date night, friends preparing group dinners, and students hosting study sessions with music playing, thanks to the outlets throughout the space.
Having lived in Lewis for three of my four years, I have seen the kitchen foster a welcoming community and strengthen bonds through shared experiences. As my freshman year RA once said, it is not just Lewis House, it is a Lewis home.”
Cedar Hall
Resident Advisor | Zoey "Z" Domingo, Sophomore Digital Media Prod. & Public Relations Major
"Cedar Hall’s best feature is its cozy location. The building is tucked away from the bustle of tourists and King street traffic, yet it is only a five-minute walk from the dining hall. It is also conveniently attached to the resident parking lot, with nearby streets lined with charming bed-and-breakfasts and historic homes.
For students looking to work out or take a group exercise class, the fitness center is right next door. The gymnasium and Lewis Auditorium are just across the way for games, open-play sports, or theater productions. I also love being able to see the top of the Lightner Museum from the second floor every day.”
Abare Hall
Resident Advisor | Morgan Riordan, Fine Arts Major (BFA)
“When talking about the best features of Abare Hall, I think one of the biggest things that stands out is the view. Regardless of which side you live on, the view from Abare is absolutely breathtaking. If you’re facing the water, the docks are right outside. They are open to all students between sunrise and sunset and provide so many opportunities to residents who just want to relax after a stressful day.
Another great feature of Abare is the common spaces. There are so many areas that make it easy to study, hang out, or just spend time with people in your hall. The resident rooms themselves also have a great amount of space while still giving everyone a little bit of privacy.
Abare also offers a lot of amenities that make everyday life easier for residents. Abare has its own gym, as well as a hospitality suite for students who enjoy cooking or want access to a larger kitchen space. The Common Greens is another great spot. It’s a great place to walk around and relax, and it naturally brings people together. Later in the evening, you can find many residents gathering in the Commons, where you’ll find residents watching TV, playing pool, ping-pong, or using the P.O.D.”
FEC Towers
Resident Advisor | Andrew Mangeno, Senior Business Management Major
"One of the best features of FEC A Tower is its proximity to campus and its surroundings. Its location offers quick access to the downtown area and nearby waterways, which is perfect for anyone who loves being close to the water.
As someone who enjoys fishing and works at the campus dock, having water so close adds a sense of balance to campus life. The combination of city convenience, waterfront views, and historic charm is what makes FEC A Tower feel like home.”
Resident Advisor | Jayde Dordel, Sophomore Elementary Education Major
"One of the best features of FEC B Tower is its proximity to the P.O.D. It’s super convenient, especially on busy days when students don’t feel like walking all the way to the dining hall. Being able to quickly stop and grab food or a drink on the go has made my everyday life much easier.
The P.O.D. is also great because students can use their meal swipe, dining dollars, or card, which gives everyone flexibility. Having such an accessible option right next to FEC B Tower really adds to the comfort and convenience of living there, and it’s one of the things I appreciate most."
Resident Advisor: Cora Henderson | Sophomore, Elementary Education Major
“While FEC as a whole has a lot to offer any student who resides there, FEC C alone has one particular hidden gem. This year, a new living-learning community was added on the second floor of FEC C called The Well. The Well was created by our Health and Wellness team at Flagler to help students craft and achieve their goals, whatever they may be. Each resident creates a yearlong goal, along with smaller semester goals, to help them make meaningful progress toward that larger achievement.
As the RA for the floor, I have loved watching the community come together and grow as students support one another and work toward their goals. Every resident I have interacted with has shown kindness and compassion, and I cannot wait to see how this community continues to evolve in the years to come.”
