As temperatures climb and spring turns to summer, students living in Barrows Hall are feeling the heat in more ways than one. Without air conditioning, dorm rooms quickly become stifling, leaving residents searching for relief with fans, open windows and late-night escapes. For many, the lack of AC isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s shaping how they sleep, study and get through the final weeks of the semester. 

Recently, there has been an online debate about the struggle of not having AC in Barrows Hall dorms, a recurring conversation that resident students discuss every semester. 

Even in the winter months, people walking past the building may see dorm room windows open, as some students say the building runs hot year-round. 

Sophomore Alexis Brill-Konitshek sees these conversations taking place online and shared her personal experience living in the building. 

“As someone who has medical issues that are affected by heat, it is very difficult to adapt to these conditions,” said Konitshek. “It does deter me from living in Barrows again. It isn’t just about comfort, it also ties into health, safety and academic performance.” 

Konitshek added that the heat can also take a toll on students’ grades. 

“I feel like CCSU should make AC mandatory in all buildings … my roommate and I try to cool down our room as best as possible, and it never seems to get cool enough, which does affect our productivity toward our schoolwork,” said Konitshek. 

Other students, like sophomore Angelina Caruso, shared possible solutions to help mitigate the heat. 

“I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a problem, but I definitely wasn’t prepared for how hot it gets during the spring semester and beginning of fall semesters. I feel more fans could be spread around the building to keep air circulating,” said Caruso. 

Online, students also question the living conditions for those who live on campus year-round and have no way to escape even the hottest points of summer. 

Dorm resident Isabella Musad shared how the lack of AC could affect students’ decisions to live in the all-female dorm building. 

“I feel like people like Barrows because it’s an all-girls dorm, so most girls live there to feel safe, but the downside is not having AC, which can change someone’s decision,” said Musad. 

CCSU women may be faced with choosing between a sense of security or living comfortably. 

“It gets too hot in the room when the weather gets warmer, which makes it harder for me to sleep,” Musad added. 

Sophomore Daniella Gonzalez has also experienced issues because of the heat. 

“It’s not too bad,  you’ll get used to it, but it has gotten really hot to the point I will break out in hives,” said Gonzalez.