Meet PHApts’ Game League Micro-Community!

Pres House offers seven purposeful living programs in the PH Apartments. This year, 58% of residents participate in one of the programs. Residents in each of these programs receive a rent scholarship and access to specialized programming to enhance their living experience and support their personal growth.

Most of the programs are created and coordinated by Pres House staff, but one program is designed and run entirely by residents. Housemates propose a theme for the year with a topic, cause, or community goal in mind and meet monthly to work on their theme of choice. Throughout the year, Micro-Communities also host building-wide events to engage the apartment community in their projects. We interviewed this year’s Game League Micro-Community! Read below:

How has the Micro-Community program shaped your experience at PHA?

Grace: Being part of the Game League Micro-Community at Pres House Apartments has been a very enjoyable experience! With the demands of college life (such as juggling classes, assignments, and other commitments), it was such a nice break to step away from our busy schedules and simply have fun with our fellow residents. The Bingo nights we organized provided the perfect opportunity to unwind, laugh, and engage with others in a stress-free environment (and it’s hard to have a bad time when there is ice cream present!).

Alyssa: I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in such an amazing program! Not only did it provide a fun escape from academic stress, but it also strengthened the sense of community within the building. Most of our unit is graduating this spring, and it was really nice to be able to set aside dedicated time to spend together before we all leave the area and continue on our individual journeys.

What has surprised you about your experience in the Game Micro-Community? 

Grace: One of the things that truly surprised me was how many people asked when the next Bingo night would be (which is a good thing!). After our first event, I remember Allyson telling me at Communi-Tea how people really enjoyed it and were looking forward to the next event we hosted. It was rewarding to see how much excitement these game nights generated and how they created a sense of anticipation within the building community. It made me realize that sometimes, all people need is an easy way to connect, and something as simple as Bingo can bring people together.

Alyssa: Something that surprised me was how many people decided to join halfway through our events. This goes to show how a simple game that anyone can play truly brings everyone together and creates bonds you wouldn’t initially expect.

How have your events benefited the broader Pres House Community?

Grace: Beyond just playing the game, these events served as a great way to introduce residents to each other and help them interact with the Pres House community. I noticed that people who had never met were chatting and making connections. It was nice to know that it was our event that made the experience even more meaningful and possible for residents to connect.

Alyssa: Overall, being part of this Micro-Community has been such a great experience. It not only brought us as an apartment together, but brought residents in the building together. It’s really rewarding to see new connections being made at our events and I love having a few new people to say hello to in the hallway! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be involved, and I hope that future events continue to bring residents together in the same way!

Interested in our scholarship programs? Read more about each program here.