With the end of the school year coming around, many Loomis Chaffee students are struggling to find reliable places to store their belongings. Students who hold dorm leadership positions — Prefects, Residential Assistants (RAs), and International Student Ambassadors — are granted free storage in dormitory basements during the summer. All other students needing storage are currently offered a UPS program, which charges $65 (not including the shipping fee) for a 18x18x15 inch box, resulting in the final payment often ranging in the hundreds. Thus, providing cheaper or costless storage for boarding students is an option that Loomis Chaffee should consider in face of this inequity.

Moreover, current students are cognizant of the inaccessibility of cheaper storage and are advocating for better storing options.

“I think those who live farther away or need more help moving their stuff should have more access to summer storage in the dorm,” Owen Caliguri ’24, Carter Hall resident, said

“Summer dorm storage would be the most useful for international students,” Kaden Schroeder ’25, an international student, said.

To implement more equitable dorm summer storage, Loomis could explore several options. One possibility is to partner with a local storage company to provide discounted rates for students. Another option is to allocate a portion of the school’s budget to subsidize storage costs for students. By doing so, Loomis could provide free storage to all boarding students, not just those with dorm leadership positions, ensuring equal access to this resource. After all, students struggling financially or having difficulty finding storage options should not be unfairly burdened.

Additionally, Molly Pond, the Dean of International Students, agreed that some form of storage should be used for those who need it the most, such as international students who may live farther away than domestic students.

Offering free or cheaper storage for boarding students is a positive and achievable goal that Loomis can reach to better support the student body and facilitate the stressful process of moving out of a dorm. Making this change can foster an inclusive and supportive community for all students.