After arriving back on campus following winter break, many dorm residents noticed new furniture and common areas in their quads. Numerous on-campus residences underwent renovations over winter break.Rosenthal Quad experienced the most changes. In Rosenthal South, a common room with a television has been constructed, as well as a new quad office. A dance studio has been added to Rosenthal East, and in Rosenthal North, students can make use of a new television, exercise equipment area and practice studio for music. With the exception of the music studio, all of these renovations are currently open for student use.

"Students were very interested in having (the new dance and music studios)," Rosenthal Quad Director Carrie Klugman said.

Prior to the renovations, other areas for students to practice filled quickly with those students in larger music groups or associations. "Smaller bands could not get into places (for practicing)," Klugman said.

Other than in Rosenthal, there has been some degree of construction in common rooms at the Charles River Apartments.

Among the less discernable changes in Rosenthal, as well as the Foster Apartments and Ziv buildings, was the replacement of furniture in common rooms and lounges.

According to Klugman, much of the furniture previously being used was in noticeably poor condition, with stains and sagging cushions. "The furniture was pretty old. A lot of it was unusable in its state," Klugman said, "although furniture still in a decent state has been salvaged by the University."

Couches, chairs, tables and coffee tables are among the furniture that was replaced in the various student residences. Each new item of furniture has a distinct style and color in accordance with the residence for which it was purchased.

Klugman said these renovations have been planned for a significant period of time, and were completed once funds were allocated. In addition, the new furniture for all quads has been purchased from specific companies that have provided fireproofing and required that the furniture meet certain standards.

"The furniture is more expensive because of the nature of the furniture. It's industrial (and) will last five times as long," Klugman said.