Branford's basement facilities are pretty incredible. Here's a map of what is available for all Branfordians, even Freshmen living in Vanderbilt.
Branford has two American style full size Squash Courts in the basement, that are open to Branford students at all hours. One of the courts has been converted to a Dance Studio, and the other has a basketball hoop.
There is also a fully equipped Exercise Room with all brand new equipment, including stairmasters, treadmills, exercise bikes, and elliptical machines, in addition to benches, free weights, and exercise mats. The gym also has a television and is open to Branford students 24/7.
We have a newly designed Art Studio. This large room is split in half, one side devoted completely to the Pottery Studio, with wheels and kiln, and the other side for painting, drawing and other art forms.
Branford has its own Computer Cluster connected to the Yale network, with both Macs and PCs, all with Ethernet connections, and a laser printer, typewriter, and scanner. The cluster also has Ethernet ports for students to plug in their laptops. It is open (and used) 24 hours a day.
Branford also has a new Digital Media Center with two high powered computers capable of high quality photo and video editing with a professional photo printer and scanner.
We have a TV Room with very comfortable couches (seating for 20), a big screen TV, DVD player, and Cable TV. The TV room is never locked, and students may reserve it at any time to watch specific programs or movies by signing up on the calendar on the doors.
The Branford Buttery (a.k.a. The Butt) is a late night snack bar and popular hangout for Branford students and other students who recognize its awesomeness. The buttery is open at night from Sunday to Wednesday from 11 pm – 1 am. The student staff serves burgers, fries, chicken tenders, grilled cheeses, blizzards, the house specialty- “muffkies,” and lots of other great, freshly cooked snacks. This space can also be reserved for small parties. It has a brand new, big screen TV and DVD player.
Branford has a complete Student Kitchen with cooking supplies and utensils (sorry, no food). The kitchen can be used for students with special dietary needs, or for anyone who wants to bake or cook a meal (just in case they get sick of the dining hall, which of course would never happen). There is a key to the kitchen that must be signed out for use.
