“This doesn’t look like this pictures online.”

Deceptive. Like a dating profile. But almost opposite.

All you see online are the good parts; the good lighting, the bright colors, the fresh clean looks.

When it’s time to meet, you realize you’ve been tricked. This time, I don’t feel tricked—I feel confused, and then pleasantly surprised.

Usually you see the appeal of the exterior online. Whether it be a person or a property.

But this residence is like an Easter egg; perfectly blending in with its environment, with a special surprise inside.

If you hold it up to the light, you can get a glimpse of what might be inside, but from the outside, it’s nothing special: plain.

But one-step further—not just the courtyard “interior.”

The charming crimson panels try to mask the fact that it’s just another residence hall—not any different than the rest.

Cold concrete and small spaces. 

Blindfold me, drive me around, and drop me in a dorm room—I couldn’t tell you the difference or where we were.

“Look below at the lovely view of the courtyard.”

Yeah… an empty, concrete courtyard.

Not peaceful. Not serene. No escape—from the impending responsibilities of adulthood.