constantstudier - I have a son who spent two years there recently. I’ll answer the ones I know, and hope many others add information. With the construction of the new residence hall pretty much across the Midway (Roselawn). I think the long term trend may be to move undergraduates out of IHouse and return it to its original purpose, which was to house graduate students and visitors. In any event, it sounds like you are there for at least a year.
Neighborhood is just fine, as good as any. It is right across the street from Lab School. The facility is well protected, with a front desk, locked doors, and a UCPD checkpoint very nearby. I think internally the rooms are very well protected because after you get into the facility, you have to access stairways and elevators, not to mention hallways to get to the rooms.
From my perspective as a parent, I was very impressed with the structure itself. It’s built like a fortress. It is constructed with, I think, substantial blocks of limestone. One of the things I always thought when inside that building was that if a tornado hit that area (an event low in probability but not completely out of the question), I would feel very safe in there. I also thought it would be a very good place to be in a blizzard, which is an event which has a considerably higher probability of occurring. The construction of the building, from thick stone also makes it naturally cool in warmer weather, although warm weather really is not a big concern given the location.
There are advantages and disadvantages of the building of course. All single rooms could be an advantage or disadvantage, depending upon your preference. Distance from the center of the quad is often cited as a disadvantage, but, frankly, my son never complained (although he’s a very low maintenance guy) about it. In the fall and spring it’s a beautiful walk, giving you a little time (we’re talking an extra few minutes) to think and clear your head. In the cold and bitter cold (two phases of late fall and winter), you just dress appropriately and you should have no problem.
Not having a dining hall is cited as a drawback, and I think that is real. If you are headed to class or one of the libraries you can hit one of the other dining areas, but what about weekends or if you just want to stay in? There is some light dining available. I hope the variety and quality has improved since my son graduated.
House culture exists and is fairly strong, especially for the first 2-3 quarters. I think it is not as strong as many of the long existing houses in B-J and Snitchcock, for example. But my son met several friends in the dorm that he continues to be close to.
In terms of the personality of the students, there is not big difference. Access to dorms used to be first come first served, but now that there is a lottery system, I think the emotional difference would become smaller. The emotional issue I speak about is that many of the IHouse residents used to be late deciders, so there could have been a slight outsiders mentality.
Mainly, your residential experience is what you make it. Young smart persons like yourself have a great deal of energy and resilience, so I expect you will have a great experience if you have a positive perspective.
Best of luck to you in the coming months and years.