Allyson Schwartz, a University of Idaho sophomore, needed an environment that offered privacy, as well as an opportunity to socialize, which she was able find in Steel House.
“If you prefer alone time, you have your room and many quiet places in the house to go, and if you prefer to be more of a social butterfly, you can always find girls around to hang out with,” Schwartz said. “Steel House has brought me out of my quiet freshman shell quite a bit, as well as provided me with many lasting friendships that I will have for years to come.”
Schwartz, who also serves as the house’s janitorial manager, said Steel House is a women’s cooperative, meaning that members of the work together to maintain their house in exchange for more affordable living expenses.
She said the house was established in 1953 by Ethel K. Steel, who was a strong advocate for cooperative living.
“Since 1953, women living in Steel House have enjoyed an amazing sense of community, while getting the chance to learn valuable life skills,” Schwartz said.
Schwartz said she decided to move into Steel House after having a “less than stellar experience” in the dorms.
Schwartz said Steel House is the cheapest living option on campus for women, and it does qualify as a first year living group for freshman and that the housing fees encompass, both, room and board for the entire year, which are $3,800 single room and $3,350 for a double/triple room – each per semester.
She also said that the house can accommodate up to 32 women and that they currently have 24 members living in.
Schwartz said Steel House is not part of the Greek System, but that there are some similarities, as well as obvious differences.
She said Steel House does not have a house mother, but instead an elected resident who serves as a residential adviser and the house administrator and that they do not hire cooks or cleaning companies, instead the residents are in charge of running most aspects of the house.
Schwartz said in the past, Steel House has had a mentoring program like the sororities’ big/little system and that some members are hoping to reinstate it in order to provide new members with both a broad sense of community and a close sense of a friend.
“Steel House is geared toward building strong, kind, independent women with a sense of purpose,” Schwartz said. “The endless laughs and fun that living here has provided me are priceless – friendships made here are ones you carry with you everywhere.”
Schwartz also said that Steel House has both elected and scholarship positions – elected positions are decided by the residents, whereas scholarship positions are not voted upon by residents, but are determined by Steel House’s board of directors.
Schwartz said that if residents choose to get involved in house positions, there are roles that teach everything from budgeting to running a kitchen or a house to taking professional notes at meetings.
“If you’re someone who is hesitant to try living in a place like Steel House, or maybe is a bit intimidated with the prospect of college, I would tell you, go for it,” Schwartz said. “A community like Steel House is invaluable when you are finding your footing in your classes, in your social circle, or in campus activities.”
Olivia Heersink can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @heersinkolivia