Annenberg Hall opened its doors to first-years this week, to the resounding approval of students.

Open since Sunday, the newly renovated dining hall has quickly gained in popularity, serving a higher percentage of first-years on a daily basis than the Freshman Union, according to Eric C. Engel, the director of the Memorial Hall complex.

Annenberg Hall, which has been closed to all upperclass students during its inaugural week, will be open to all students in the future. Dining at Annenberg was limited this week to insure that the sudden influx of students did not overwhelm the new facility.

Annenberg Hall will host its official inaugural meal on February 8, Engel said. To commemorate the event, Luis J. Appell Jr. '47 has donated programs which will detail the history of Memorial Hall and will list every member of the class of '99.

Engel credits the successful opening to the support of a wide range of people in the University community.

"From my perspective, it went beautifully, thanks to many folks," Engel said. "The transition was pretty seamless."

Engel's impression of favorable student response was borne out by the enthusiastic reaction of first-years to their new dining hall during yesterday's meals.

"I think it is beautiful, very classy," said Jenny E. Mercado '99. "It looks more like an expensive restaurant than a dining hall."

"I think that we will miss being here after this year. It is nicer than the house dining halls," Mali Chivakul '99 said.

And Luis A. Campos '99 said he thought the new dining hall was worth the trek from Wigglesworth, although he wished the tables in the center row of the dining hall were better-lit.

In addition to being newly renovated and decorated, Annenberg Hall also features a new dining system called the 'scatter system.' The new system places food at different "stations" around the serving area affording diners greater ease in selecting food.

For some, the new system has changed their mealtime experience.

"The new scatter system makes it more efficient, I guess," Frank J. Gorke '99 said. "I find it confusing but fun. It makes getting your dinner more interesting."

"The food seems to be better, but maybe it is because we are in happier surroundings," he added. "I am amazed, frankly, that this is our dining hall."

Others, however, are nostalgic for the Union or maintain that first-year dining has not changed, despite the change in scenery.

"I am a little sentimental," said sixth-year Yard proctor James J. Monroe '86. "I miss the old space, but this place works."

"The service seems more efficient, but the food hasn't changed," said Christina L. Svendsen '99