Can someone explain the Differences in the Dorms?

Looking for a nonparty dorm, prerably older dorms with options like window seats and fireplaces. Which ones have dining in them? D is introvert but forms deeper friendships and prefers some quiet instead lots of loud music (if it’s still like when I was in college). Please categorize the different dorm options for freshman and the social atmosphere of each. Thanks!

This is a very generic outline, as dorms do vary slightly year to year based on who’s living in them. However, this is a general guideline as some people tend to gravitate towards certain dorms year after year.

Pem East/West - One of the largest dorms on campus, this is a great option if you want to be at the heart of campus and on a floor with a lot of other first-years. It’s definitely on the social side, but has a spectrum of students. This is the dorm that is sort of the “gateway” to campus with an archway connecting to East & West.

Rockefeller - Similar to the Pems, but maybe slightly quieter. You’ll live with a lot of other first-years, but again, a spectrum of students.

Merion - A beautiful dorm near the campus center. Very quiet, studious, quirky.

Rhoads - Also, very beautiful (honestly, this could be said of all the dorms). Students like to keep things pretty quiet, but the views of the pond are really lovely. They also have a nice back patio area. Close to the libraries.

Radnor - The most social dorm on campus. It’s also the smallest, so you get to know everyone really well, which can be nice. Definitely more for students who want to study in the library but socialize in the dorm.

Brecon - Very quiet dorm. This is farthest from the heart of campus, but great if you want to be near the gym/like things on the quieter side. You’ll definitely be in shape by the end of the year from walking to the dining halls.

The only dorms that wouldn’t have more traditional detailing are Erdman (designed by Louis Kahn) and the new Haffner, which will be open for the first time this fall. Erdman is great for first-years who want singles and are very independent/studious. It’s a very autonomous dorm, but there is a dining hall in it. Haffner used to have the language halls, and I think the new structure will, too. This will also be connected to a dining hall. None of the other dorms have dining halls in them.

Thank you @englishivy ! Are these all available for freshman?

@Aussiemom I’m in one of the Pems and your description of your daughter fits me. I’m SO not a partyer. But my dorm has been perfect.

Pem East, West, and Rock are all basically right next to Haffner (which will have a new name next year!) and Erdman, the dining halls. I don’t know how Haffner (New Dorm) will be next year, but I recommend not going to Erdman - there isn’t much of a community. However, I’m sure she will be happy regardless of where reslife places her!

Oh, and yes - all dorms have frosh rooms on each floor of each dorm.

@englishivy How would you describe Denbigh?

Wait, I thought we didn’t get to pick our dorms though?? I mean I didn’t complete the housing application but it just looked like it was general roommate stuff and nothing about dorms, which I thought were not our choice…

Oops, totally forgot Denbigh! I’d say it’s on the lower end of social, but not as quiet as Erdman. Does Rugby still have weekend parties there?

@literallyleslie You absolutely don’t have to pick a dorm. Just describe your studying/socializing style and what you look for in a roommate. ResLife will do the rest! You can, however, suggest dorms you think might be a good fit for you. But they’re by no means expecting you to know which dorm you’d like. It’s more for if you have special circumstances/needs you’d like them to know.