Sophomore radiography major Kaija Wimmer and junior appeal design major Harrison Qiu share one thing in common: the two have moved up from the z-shaped rooms of Johnson Hall B to the convenience of Noyer Complex.
Wimmer said she originally wanted to live in Park Hall. But because it was too expensive for her roommate, they agreed to live in Noyer.
"Noyer is a lot more homey compared to the other dorms," she said. "It's not as nice as Park, but there are good vibes here, big time."
Qiu said the majority of his friends have moved off campus or to Noyer for this school year. He thought he might as well change and move also.
Noyer was named after Ralph Noyer, a dean of the Teachers College and head of the foreign language department at Ball State from 1928 to 1952. He was known for his wittiness, common sense and being in high demand as a public speaker, according to the Ball State website.
Located near the heart of campus, Noyer is close to various academic buildings, Bracken Library and the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. The complex is home to Howick/Williams and Baker/Klipple Halls. Howick Hall is for men participating in the Nursing Living-Learning Community, as well as the Design Living-Learning Community. The complex also has its own dining facility called Noyer Centre.
While Noyer has a lot to offer students, it seems as though the complex is one of the least talked about and lesser-known ones out of all the residence halls.
Wimmer said she thinks Noyer gets overlooked because of its popular surroundings.
"I think one thing people don't realize about Noyer is that there is good food here. People just pass it by to go to Woodworth or to the rec center and grab Quiznos," she said. "Noyer has a lot to offer with food and with living."
Also, Wimmer said the cafeteria ladies are very sweet. She said they try to make personal connections with people by trying to remember their names and simply being friendly.
Wimmer and Qiu both said they like the bigger rooms and enjoy the convenience of the food at Noyer Centre. Qiu, however, said he doesn't see much of a difference in walking distance to classes from last year in Johnson B.
"Living in Noyer is just a bit closer to more of my friends on campus in dorms and off campus as well," he said. "I usually walk to Jo-Ann Fabrics or the Northwest Plaza for shopping, which is a few minutes behind Johnson B. So, it takes longer now, compared to just leaving Johnson B last year."
Noyer was also the first coed residence hall at Ball State. Wimmer said she was apprehensive about the mixed living arrangements at first.
"I was nervous at first because boys are smelly. I figured I would try it out and see how it goes, and I love it," she said. "I talk more with my boy neighbors. They are loud at times, but they're not smelly. I think the boys bring positive energy, because girls can be very negative and bring people down."
Both Qiu and Wimmer said the staff at Noyer is very good about working with students. Wimmer said that her residence assistant is very friendly and isn't pushy about participating in community activities.
"I have an awesome RA who's very laid back. He's more of a friend than an RA, and he doesn't want to be an enemy," she said.
When it comes to crimes, party and mischief at Noyer, Wimmer and Qiu both said they haven't personally seen any problems on their floors or in the building.
"There are really not that many problems. The fire department came the first weekend we were here because of some burnt popcorn," Wimmer said. "Also, I talked to the night desk one time, and I learned that there have been a lot of people coming in drunk. However, I haven't personally seen any problems."
While there is a diverse community in Noyer, there seems to be a greater number of upperclassmen that live in the complex. Wimmer believes it's a premium plan contract or a simple love for the building's community that keeps them rather than off campus.
"The other nicer dorms cost a lot more money. Noyer is nice without having to pay so much," she said. "There's also a senior who lives on my floor, and I think they're still here because they just genuinely love it."
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