<p>I think that there is a difference between “partying” and “parties.” Just from size alone it would be impossible to have parties in the dorms the size of those at houses or even apartments. On the other hand, it is perfectly fine for smaller groups. Last year we had a thing where we used two dorm rooms on the same floor with a pong table made from a closet door in the hallway between them. It wasn’t a party really as it was just friends in the dorms, but it isn’t probably something someone who doesn’t like drinking or noise would want.</p>
<p>I lived in Ellicott last year on a non-honors floor and it was a party floor. Real parties weren’t happening, but drinking was prominent but not something you were forced to do if you didn’t want to (I never did.) A lot of it had to do with how laid-back our RA was, and you can’t guarantee what your RA will be like no matter where you end up going. </p>
<p>Honestly, the floor was very quiet and empty Friday and Saturday nights because everyone was out partying. I came to enjoy the peace and quiet and I was my most productive Friday and Saturday nights as a result.</p>
<p>My daughter was on 2nd floor in Ellicott last year. It was fairly calm. She mentioned that she occasionally would see someone who drank too much. She hung out with a fairly large non-drinking crowd. She is now in Oakland and the first floor seems pretty quiet, but I visited briefly on a Saturday afternoon.</p>