<p>Specialty residences are a definate option that freshman should consider. Most of the time, you will form bonds with the people in your specialty house or floor because thats their purpose. Many times specialty residences have monthly events that really bring everyone together. Also, many current students tend not to apply to them, thus leaving alot of spots open in them, and by no means are the specialty residences in bad areas, many times, they are the best places to live in regards to most updated and maintained areas. Bay State Road is an amazing place to live and almost wholly occupied by upperclassmen because it is hard to get in there. If you don't have trouble meeting people, you should definately consider placing bay state as your number one option, but remember, it is very quiet in these brownstones, and def less social than typical freshman dorms.</p>
<p>One of my S's friends lives in the German House. So freshmen can definitely be placed in specialty residences.</p>
<p>I live on the COM floor and love it, and I'm living on the Writer's floor of Shelton next year. Speciality floors definitely have more community, and I think it is a lot easier to bond with people since you already know you have things in common. With the COM floor, it was nice to be with people who were all taking the same classes as me.</p>
<p>dramaqueen22: I guess you'll be meeting my friend Noah next year, he will be a sophomore there, and he lived there this year. Although from what he says, it doesnt seem like alot of "sharing of the writing" takes place, haha. Still cool though.</p>
<p>I figured it wasn't as cohesive as the COM floor, but I'm cool with being in Shelton.</p>