The duplex on 1002 High Street surprisingly looks nothing like a house accommodating college students—there is a conspicuous lack of beer bottles, red solo cups and half-broken bikes on its front lawn. Instead, the pleasant glow of warm lights from the kitchen draws you into the house where Virginia Andersen ’10, Emily Roberts ’10 and Hanna von Schlegell ’10, are all grouped around a table in the kitchen, casually chatting and munching on salsa and dip.

The three knew they wanted to live together since last year. They met during their first and second years at Grinnell, but have not had a chance to live together until now due to conflicting study abroad schedules. “It’s nice to all be together,” Andersen said.

They have not completely finished moving in—in fact, there is still a mattress leaning against a wall in the living room. “We were trying to get the mattress down the stairs and box spring got stuck under the railing,” Roberts said. “We were stuck under it for almost 45 minutes!”

Other house traditions—those other than being stuck under mattresses—include baking. “I procrastinate by baking,” von Schlegell said. “Late at night, there’s always going to be something fresh.” Von Schlegell’s other culinary achievements include perfecting the making of homemade ice-cream thanks to her ice-cream maker.

Life is not all sweet at 1002 High Street—the girls agree that paying bills and rent have a “grounding effect” upon them. “Heat and electricity, my god!” von Schlegell said. Despite the burden of responsibilities like these, however, all agree that the amenities of having their own rooms, two bathrooms, and a nice living space are definitely worth it. “It feels more like home,” Roberts said.