Mars

Residence Information

Residence Type: Self-Op

House Size: 37 residents

House Description

This year Mars is a predominately sophomore dorm (we have only one senior who is a non-staff member, four senior staff members, and two junior staff members).  Sophomores are usually attracted to Mars because, besides it's proximity to both the social and academic quarters of Stanford, the rooms are all one-room doubles and no priority is given based on seniority during the In-House Draw.  This young makeup gives Mars a vitality that is essential for positive house dynamics.  Mars only has 38 residents total, making it all the more intimate.  Our chef, Sal, is superb. His meals are delicious and varied, but still maintain a home-cooked meal quality that makes Mars feel like a real home rather than a university residence.  Mars residents all have a regular hashing shift once a week for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and each perform one Sunday hash per quarter.  This instills a sense of personal responsibility for maintaining a clean house and an enjoyable living atmosphere.  Our open kitchen is always well-stocked according to the pleasures of its residents.  Because the house is relatively small, we can invest in a greater variety of foods, and it is easier to try to please everyone's different tastes.  Mars is close enough to on-campus parties to feel in-touch with campus social happenings, but we prefer social gatherings held in Mars to house-only or by-invite, so our house does not get swarmed and trashed by the multitudes.  Overall, Mars is an ideal residence for anyone who wants to live in the heart of Stanford and still feel like they're living at home.  And living in a single for staffers is an added bonus.  I won't want to move out at the end of the year!