<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I got accepted to NC state and was wondering which is the best freshman dorm in terms of quality, size, maintainance and facilities.</p>
<p>Thanks for any help!</p>
<p>When my S was at NCSU, Central Campus was considered the optimal location.</p>
<p>I’m looking at Alexander hall…I like the layout and spacing. How is it? It’s just that the alcohol-allowed rule is deterring me a bit. How big of a problem would it be? Also, is there a chance for me (a freshman) being paired with an upperclassmen?</p>
<p>Alexander is a Global Village dorm. American students are paired with foreign students for roommates. You must attend a Global Village orientation before classes start. You must participate in five or more village hall programs each semester.
The NCSU residence page states that you must be a soph. or above to live/participate in this program.</p>
<p>I agree with Packmom. My D is overall happy with Central Campus. Also, some Central dorms are eligible to dine at Case Dining Hall for breakfast and lunch (see Dining webpage for details). D claims Case Dining Hall has the best food (“hot dogs on steroids” according to her). At dinner that dining hall is reserved for Athletes only, so she goes elsewhere, usually Clark dining hall on Eastside I think. </p>
<p>That being said, next year she wants to room on East Campus, near the College of Design (COD). She spends more time in design studio than she does in her dorm room. The long walks back to Central Campus have gotten old for her (and West Campus would have been far worse). It’s more a move for convenience, not because she “dislikes” anything about Central. </p>
<p>It really depends on what you want out of your dorm life. She’s not a good dorm buddy, and she knows it. She’s talked it out with her roommate (a friend and Microbiology major), and they have an understanding, but it took some time. Due to the long hours and studio work required in the COD, Eastside has become her central hub of academic and social life. But, it’s not the same for every major. In fact, the first Centennial Campus dorm is under construction now. Soon, all the Engineering majors (esp. upperclassman) will want a dorm on that side of Western Blvd as soon as possible. Many already do rent privately in that area. </p>
<p>Personally, I lived on West Campus (Sullivan) many, many moons ago. Fun on the weekends, but hated the looooong walks to anything and the late night fire alarms (in which elevators are disabled). Sophomore year lived in Central Campus (Tucker) and liked it much more. </p>
<p>Hope that gives you some things to consider…</p>
<p>Klinger,my DH ( B.S. Mech. Engr. NCSU’81) lived in Lee for three years before moving off campus for senior year. He said West Campus was the place to be back then. Are you old enough to remember Zoo Day? </p>
<p>S1 lived in freshmen only Owen just before it became a First Year College dorm only. He loved Owen and would have stayed there another year if he could have. He was NROTC and a gym rat so the location across the street from Carmichael was supreme. Unfortunately the Free Expression tunnel was closed for repairs most of that year so he had a more circuitous route to class.</p>
<p>Packmon –
Your fellows experiences sound familiar.
Zoo Day doesn’t ring a bell, but “West Campus Jam” in the mid-80’s was alot of fun. Before all the current trees grew so big behind Bragaw, groups would set-up stages and have outdoor concerts. Maybe they still do, I don’t know.<br>
As a newbie, I was placed in Sullivan (Engineering Residential Scholars Program was on West Campus), and also had NROTC drill. The walk up Dan Allen to the Naval Armory on Western Blvd was easier due to living in Sullivan, and Fountain Dining Hall was BRAND NEW. But those were the only benefits I recall. I really grew to hate those high-rise fire alarms. I found myself spending most of my time on Central Campus – with track, Carmichael, Talley, Owen, Reynolds Coliseum (NROTC office), so when I made the “dorm lottery” I high-tailed it out of West Campus.</p>
<p>Freshman year, a good friend had Owen basement, and sophomore year I had Tucker basement. Both rooms facing the beach. For two years we felt like we had Boardwalk and Park Place! Back in the day, those central rooms were some of the best dorm real estate on campus (there was no A/C, and the basement stayed cool). We had friends in and out of those rooms for 2 years. Being central and close to the gym, off-campus buddies would spend many an afternoon between classes at our place. Fun times! </p>
<p>Also had a Tri-Tower room for one summer session. It was okay, but HOT in July before the days of A/C.</p>