Substance free dorm at William Paterson

NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- Unfortunately in some cases college isn't just a place to learn but also a place to experiment with smoking and drinking.

But at William Paterson University some students are living in substance free dorms.

Kenneth B. White Hall looks like any other dormitory at William Paterson University but students who live there, would much rather be there, than in the dorms they lived in last year.

"Just a couple of doors down, there were always parties, always drinking; it was horrible, like, really made me uncomfortable," said Rachel Fiekowsky.

Most White Hall residents simply want to be away from the rule breakers, but some, like freshman, Meghan Hartford, are in recovery.

"Starting drinking at an early age and started smoking some weed, and it just started to progress more and more and finally got to a point where it just wasn't worth it anymore," she said.

For some of those living in the dorm, the difference between the substance-free dormitory and their previous dormitory experience is not just the environment, but also the philosophy of what college is all about.

"You come here to study, and if every once in a while you want to go to a party, then you do that on your own time," said Dennis Huergo.

Funding for the dorm came from the state of New Jersey, for interested colleges to establish recovery housing. It includes counseling.

Web Produced By: Scott Curkin

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