<p>What are the pros and cons of the Choates compared to other frosh housing options? </p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>Pros: All first-year, close to history/government/Baker Library, close to frat row.</p>
<p>Cons: They're ugly. And old. </p>
<p>As was said by a Dartmouth student:</p>
<p>"After you figure out exactly how you drive your car full of all the freshman dorm essentials close to the Choates, you will be astounded and amazed by their unbelievably attractive architectural design. In fact, the buildings are of such caliber that the Office of Residential Life has neglected to place pictures of these magnificent dwellings on their website so as to not divulge their beauty to the population at large. Cube-like concrete-and-brick blocks with suspended hamster-cage-like connecter tunnels this will be your habitat for the next 9 months. </p>
<p>Dont be dismayed by physical appearance though! "Choatopia" is a great social place where you can partake in bubble wars, hallway golf, and other activities of a similar nature. You definitely bond tightly with not just people on your floor, but many folk from the whole little community. The rooms are definitely not bad the doubles are slightly squished but altogether cozy, and the singles are very decently sized. You are close to Occum Pond (the location of the Polar Bear Swim and ice skating in the winter), the golf course, running trails, the library, and literally in the back yard of half a dozen frat houses. All in all, living the Choates is a fantastic character-building experience and, whether or not you like the architecture, you will undoubtedly make some very close friends. </p>
<p>Helen Sterling 06</p>
<p>That's from here: <a href="http://www.dartmouth.edu/%7Eshmen/dorms.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.dartmouth.edu/~shmen/dorms.htm</a></p>
<p>Lol I read that quotation too when I was applying for housing last year. When it comes to architecture, nothing compares to Dartmouth's old dorms like Richardson and Mass Row. A lot of other colleges have pretty simple-looking dorms made of brick with white windows. The Choates aren't ugly -- they're just average looking. The glass tunnels are kinda funky and a great way to access the tv lounges and kitchens from the 2nd floor. The Choates really aren't that bad on the inside -- a lot like the other dorms except without wood paneling around the windows and door frames. </p>
<p>I lived in mixed housing this year, but I wish I had lived in the Choates because freshman there bond so well with their floormates. Most people I know who live in the Choates are pretty happy there and complain more about roommates and such rather than the dorm itself.</p>
<p>"The Choates aren't ugly -- they're just average looking."</p>
<p>I have to disagree. The Choates are ugly (even uglier than the River!).</p>
<p>The Choates ended up being a great experience for S who just spent his freshman year there. The room was nice and the location was fine. He was close to the fraternity that he often visited after a long day! He was very happy there and did have a great first year. I think the location of his dorm made his year better. He would probably pick that dorm again for his first year if given the choice.</p>
<p>They're really not ugly, just standard. I loved living in them this year and would definitely recommend it.</p>
<p>This is my area of expretise I lived in Cohen (Choates) this year, the Choates are great for several reasons. I agree with raspberry other than being ugly its great place to live.</p>
<p>Location-its close to Frat row which is the hub of parties, the Library for studdying, Dick's House which is for medical services, and the Aam, which is another party spot.</p>
<p>Community-the choates has the best community out of any other cluster. Everybody is friendly and frankly I feel blessed to have lived there my first year. Being around people in your class allow you to build bonds and just be goofy and freshman. I was lucky enough to have lived in the same wing with two of my best friends and so many of my other friends lived in Bissell, Brown, and Little. All your friends will be jealous and frequently visiting you from East Wheelock and the River.</p>
<p>Rooms- are in a setup with three wings on each floor, each building with three floors. The rooms are fairly nice. </p>
<p>Downsides- kinda far from Thayer dinning and the Hop, but you get used to it, as well as the gym. But once again you get close to the walks</p>