So, you’ve probably walked past that massive, red-brick building near the Westcott Fountain a dozen times. You know the one. It looks like something straight out of a Harry Potter set, all covered in ivy with those pointy "Collegiate Gothic" windows. That’s Jennie Murphree Hall FSU, and honestly, it’s got way more personality than those shiny new glass-and-steel dorms popping up on the west side of campus.
Living there is basically a rite of passage for Florida State students. It’s old. Like, 1921 old. But don't let the age fool you into thinking it's some crumbling relic. It was actually the first of the "historic" halls to get a major face-lift back in the early '90s, and it’s stayed surprisingly relevant ever since.
Who was Jennie, anyway?
Before we get into the floor plans and the (alleged) ghosts, let's talk about the name. Jennie Henderson Murphree wasn't just some random donor. She was the wife of Albert A. Murphree, who was the first president of the Florida State College for Women (FSCW). Back then, FSU wasn't the co-ed powerhouse it is today.
Jennie was known for being a huge advocate for music education. She basically pushed all her kids to play instruments and brought a lot of culture to the early campus life. Sadly, she died suddenly in 1921. The university was so crushed that they named the newest dorm after her almost immediately. For decades, the girls who lived there were affectionately called "Jennie Roses."
Kinda sweet, right?
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It stayed an all-female dorm for a long, long time. In fact, Jennie Murphree Hall was the very last residence hall at FSU to go co-ed, finally opening its doors to all genders in 2015.
The Layout: Living in the "Jennie Rose" Garden
If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot here, you’re usually living in a suite-style setup. This is the gold standard for most FSU housing. Basically, you have two rooms that share a bathroom in the middle. You’re looking at four or five people sharing one toilet and shower.
Is it a tight squeeze? Occasionally.
Is it better than walking down a hallway in a bathrobe to a communal bathroom? Absolutely.
The rooms at Jennie Murphree Hall FSU aren't cookie-cutter. Because the building was built in stages—the west wing was added in 1924 to handle the post-WWI student boom—the dimensions can vary wildly. Some rooms have massive windows that let in a ton of light, while others feel a bit more "cozy" (read: tiny).
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- Location is everything: You are seconds away from Westcott. If you're a music major, you're right next to the College of Music.
- Honors Perks: These days, the hall is a big hub for Honors students. If you're in the program, you get priority, which makes the vibe a bit more studious than, say, Wildwood.
- The Kitchens: There are common area kitchens where people actually cook. Like, real food, not just microwave ramen.
Wait, is it actually haunted?
Look, any building that’s been standing for over a hundred years is going to have some rumors. Students have sworn for years that there’s a ghost named "Shelly" hanging out in room 219.
People report weird stuff. Chills when the AC isn't even on. The sound of something heavy dragging across the floor upstairs when you know the room above you is empty. While its neighbor, Cawthon Hall, usually gets the spotlight for the "sunbather struck by lightning" legend, Jennie Murphree has its own share of "unexplained" vibes. Honestly, it’s probably just the old pipes or the building settling, but it makes for a great story during a late-night study session.
What Most People Get Wrong About Jennie Murphree Hall FSU
A lot of freshmen think that because it's "historic," it's going to be a dump.
That’s just not true.
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The university has dumped a lot of money into keeping the "Historic Six" (Broward, Bryan, Cawthon, Gilchrist, Jennie Murphree, and Reynolds) in good shape. We’re talking updated HVAC systems, renovated showers with actual water pressure, and decent Wi-Fi—though those thick brick walls can be a real pain for your signal sometimes.
One weird fact: there used to be a bowling alley in the basement. And a swimming pool for the synchronized swimming team (the Tarpons). Sadly, those are long gone, replaced by much-needed laundry facilities and study lounges.
Why the location beats everything else
If you live in Jennie Murphree, your commute is basically non-existent.
- Suwannee Room: The best dining hall on campus (arguably) is a two-minute walk.
- Strozier Library: You can roll out of bed at 11:45 PM and be at the library for a midnight cram session in five minutes.
- Landis Green: You’re right there for Frisbee, sunbathing, or just people-watching.
Honestly, the biggest downside is the parking. Or the lack thereof. If you have a car, you’re going to spend a lot of time circling the Tradition Way garage or hunting for a spot in the small lots nearby. Most Jennie residents just give up and walk everywhere, which is kinda the point of living in the "pedestrian-friendly" historic district anyway.
Actionable Tips for New Residents
- Invest in a Rug: Those floors are hard and can feel cold. A thick rug makes the room feel ten times more like a home and less like a cell.
- Command Hooks are Gold: You can't drill into the walls. Bring more hooks than you think you need.
- Learn the Shortcuts: There are side exits that save you a lot of time when you're rushing to a class at the Diffenbaugh building.
- Join the Community: Because it's a smaller hall compared to the massive "new" dorms, people actually get to know each other here. Don't hide in your room.
Living in Jennie Murphree Hall FSU isn't just about having a place to sleep. It’s about being part of the history of the school. You’re walking the same halls that students walked back when Florida was still mostly orange groves and swamp. It’s got a soul. And in a world of prefabricated, identical student housing, that’s worth the occasional creaky floorboard.
Pack some light clothes for the Tallahassee heat, get a good pair of walking shoes, and maybe bring a little extra "spirit" for room 219. You’ll be fine.