Thirty-four first-year students experienced residential life minus the traditions of Harvard Yard this past year. Instead, they enjoyed the towering ceilings and walk-in closets in the spacious double suites of Apley Court.

These members of the Class of 2001 were the initial group of first-years to live in the stately dorm next door to the Hasty Pudding Club on Holyoke Street. Previously, Apley Court was reserved as overflow housing for Adams House and Quincy House affiliates.

In January 1997, College officials announced that Apley Court would be used as a first-year dorm to allow for the expansion of the first-year class by 30 students.

The number of transfer students admitted was decreased by 30 students to compensate for the increase in the class of 2001.

Although Apley inhabitants are separated from the rest of their classmates by Mass. Ave., most residents claim to have been content from the start.

"It's really nice," said Ben W. Reichardt '01 during Orientation Week. "Every time we bring somebody over, they're like `Wow!'"

Apley residents in general praised their suites, all of which include a large common room, bedroom and private bathroom complete with a marble bathtub.

Reflecting upon her first-year dorm, Apley resident Kathy Huang '01 said, "I loved it. I actually had to buy more things to fill up all the empty space."

But some Apley residents said they felt detached from first-years living in the Yard.

"You couldn't help but feel [isolated]...," said Jonathan S. Pytka '01 who lived in the same five-story building.

Nonetheless, Apley residents claim a strong sense of cohesiveness. They all share one proctor and often take meals together in the nearby Houses.

"By the end of the year, most people would eat in Winthrop, Kirkland, Adams, and Lowell," Pytka said. "[Those Houses] are closer...and the food is better."

Assistant Dean of Freshmen for Ivy Yard D. E. Lorraine Sterrit, who lived in Apley with her husband this year, said there was still "a lot of interaction, either formally or informally" between students living in Apley and the Yard.

"It's a better place for parties because it's huge," said Marta Szabo '01. "People want to come here because of the space."

Despite its unique location outside of the Yard, first-years from Apley Court proudly wear their shirts proclaiming "Living Happily in Apley."