<p>What are the dorms like at Chicago? Which ones are the most comfortable? Do they have personalities (are there social dorms, quiet dorms, crazy party dorms...)? I've heard that Pierce is the most friendly but also the most cramped. Snell-Hitchcock looks the prettiest, but I bet it's hard to get in as a freshman. If you are/were a student, what's your favorite dorm and why?</p>
<p>The dorms vary a great deal and if you visit, take a look at as many as you can. They will be opening a brand new dorm in 2008 to replace Shoreland Hall, so that dorm is not in the best of repair, but has huge rooms, and many of the residents love it and are sad to see it go. The dorms are separated into houses of about 80 students I believe, which have reserved dining tables in whatever dining hall one is assigned. Here is a good place to start if you haven't done so already: <a href="http://www.rh.uchicago.edu/hds/housing/halls/%5B/url%5D">http://www.rh.uchicago.edu/hds/housing/halls/</a></p>
<p>One of the things I was pleasantly suprised by was the integration of the resident masters and heads (and their pets and children), and RA's into the life of the dorms. At least at Snitchcock (Snell-Hitchcock) - the residence halls really are a community - with a variety of individuals - some more outgoing than others. I agree with idad that you should look at as many halls as possible - Hitchcock is great for architectural character, Max P for clean and modern - and so on. Also, think about if you want to be in the middle of campus - or a little way away from it. </p>
<p>EA students get first shot at dorm choice. My son was RD, but managed to get into his first choice by turning around the acceptance paperwork ASAP (RD selections are by date received of acceptance, I believe). The number of openings varies by year - but I'm pretty sure the timing was important in his case.</p>
<p>I agree with ohio_mom getting in your paper work as soon as possible is very important to getting your first choice. My S, the procrastinator, waited until the last day, he got none of his first three choices. On the other hand he loves the dorm he is in and says he is thankful he did not get any of his choices. It seems the house system, the RA's, Head Masters, etc. make for a good experience in most any dorm (his Resident Heads have dogs as well, I wonder if it is a requirement...?).</p>
<p>The houses are each pretty distinctive, and they compete with each other. This means, basically, that you have to spend time in a dorm and not just see one to get the feel of it. The RA's and RH's are a huge part of your existence here, and RM study breaks are definatly awesome, but you have significantly less contact with the them. My RH has a dog...i dont know if thats a requirement, but hey, it might be.</p>