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Frequently
Asked Questions
What is the best aspect of living at Sutton Place?
Definitely the people. We share friendships with such interesting people and the Christian fellowship can be
deep and real. It is hard to "fake your faith" when you live with others. The people are from all over the world.
Do I have to be Baptist
to live at Sutton Place?
No. While owned by the Baptist Student Foundation, Sutton hopes
to be a place in which Christians of all denominations can feel
comfortable and encourage each other to grow in and live out their
faith. Those of non-Christian religious
backgrounds are also welcome if they are comfortable living with
Christians and willing to follow house policies based on Christian
principles. Buddhist, atheist, and non-religious house members have
all been excellent and enthusiastic housemates.
Do all residents have to be graduate students?
Not always. We also may be home to recent graduates, Parkland students,
mature undergraduates, IEI students, visiting scholars, post-docs,
and others who desire the community atmosphere and fit in with the
nature of the house.
Do I have to sign a lease for an entire year?
No. Typical leases are for ten months. Semester-long leases are
also available, although a bit more expensive per month. Short-term
leases can be negotiated when rooms are available. Rental rates
are discounted over the summer months.
Can I do my own cooking?
Absolutely. Unlike many other co-ops, residents are responsible
for their own meals. Many do chose to cook and eat together, but
common meals are only scheduled once per week. Each resident has personal cabinet
space and shares a refrigerator. Dishes, silverware, small appliances,
and pots and pans are provided by the house.
How many rooms does Sutton have?
Twenty-two.
How much do rooms cost?
Monthly rent varies depending on room size and
location. An aditional fee is charged for short-term leases. Generally, Sutton Place is considered inexpensive to moderate in price.
What is included in the rent?
All utilities plus wireless internet service (except a private phone line) are included in the
rent. The rent also covers cleaning supplies, toilet paper, house
upkeep and repair, one meal per week, and a small budget for social activities. Residents
must pay an additional supplement in the summer for the use of air
conditioners if desired. Parking is also additional.
Where can I do laundry?
A coin-operated washer and drier are in the basement.
Where can I put my bicycle?
We have a well-lit, covered bike rack behind the house.
Where can I park my car?
Sutton Place has five alley spots, distributed according to seniority
for a reasonable cost per semester. Spots in the BSF parking lot behind the house
are available to house residents as well.
Can I have my own phone?
Yes. All rooms have phone jacks installed. If you chose not to pay
for your own phone, you are welcome to use the house phone. (Use
a phone card for long distance calls.)
Is noise a problem?
Very seldom. We have quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. Generally,
the house is quiet during the day as well, as most residents are
at work or studying.
How much work do I have to do at Sutton Place?
The minimum requirement of Sutton members is to complete a weekly
“house duty” (generally cleaning, 1-2 hours); take turns
cleaning the kitchen (1-2 hours, once every 22 days when the house
is full); attend monthly house meetings; and attend two house workdays
each semester. Members who hold officer or other positions in the
house are relieved of duty requirements based on time devoted to
their position.
What if I forget to do my house duty?
The vice president or president of the house will remind you and
ask you to do it as soon as possible. If residents refuse to comply
or repeatedly forget to do their duties (or complete them poorly),
they will be fined $10 per late duty, as well as rescheduled for
a make-up duty at a later time.
Is Sutton for everyone?
No. In order to live comfortably with twenty-one others, house members
must be flexible, conscientious, and willing to comply with rules.
We all at times wish we could leave dirty dishes in the
sink, spread out personal belongings in any room we wish, play loud
music at midnight, and clean only when convenient. Yet out of respect
for others, we comply with rules agreed on before the contact was
signed. It can also be inconvenient to share cooking utensils, telephone,
and house computer and TVs. It may seem unfair to have to vacuum
the living room if you didn’t use it that week, or to clean
the kitchen that you didn’t mess up. However, as a community,
we share responsibilities equally among house members, and ask that
new applicants consider carefully whether they are comfortable with
the inconveniences as well as benefits of community life. The majority
of residents are comfortable with this arrangement.
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