Shirreff Hall, Halifax

Shirreff Hall is the oldest residence hall still in use at Dalhousie University, standing as a testament to the university’s evolving student housing landscape. Located at the corner of Oxford Street and South Street on Studley Campus, this historic residence is nestled among oak and maple trees, offering a picturesque and convenient living space just minutes from classrooms, the Killam Library, and Dalplex.

Originally built in response to a housing crisis for female students in the early 1920s, Shirreff Hall emerged as a solution when landlords in Halifax favored male tenants and university housing for women was nonexistent. Despite financial constraints due to the construction of the Science Building and the Macdonald Memorial Library, the residence was eventually established as a female-only dormitory. This policy remained in place until 2005 when Old Eddy and New Eddy transitioned to all-gender housing.

Shirreff Hall consists of four houses: Old Eddy, New Eddy, Newcombe, and The Annex, with a total capacity of 451 students. The residence offers single, double, and loft double rooms, each furnished with a bed, bureau, and desk. Many rooms in New Eddy and Newcombe also include sinks for added convenience.

Students living in Shirreff Hall benefit from shared common areas, including a main lounge with a TV, a games room, and laundry facilities. The hall is structured to accommodate different living preferences, with areas designated for moderate, low-key, and quiet lifestyles.

Embodying its long-standing motto, "Esse Quam Videri" ("To Be Rather Than To Seem"), Shirreff Hall continues to serve as a welcoming home for Dalhousie students, blending historical significance with modern university life.