<p>likemythesis and camico have it right. South Campus does not necessarily mean social. It really all depends, some suites are really close (like mine), some floors are close, some halls are close, etc. It’s all luck, but I will say this- while at south campus it can go either way, from what I hear, north campus is even worse socially. Not to say that north is anti-social in any way, but it’s not what freshmen looking for friends would want. Most upperclassmen tend to live in north campus. They already have friends, etc and are not really looking to make new friends, whereas in south campus (especially at the beginning of the year) everyone is out and about and you can make friends really easily (I met one of my best friends because I joined in a random volleyball game). </p>
<p>I will say this though- if you try, you will meet people. Your suite or your floor may not be too active, but if you just get out there and meet people, you will eventually find that ‘place’ (usually, it’s ‘that suite’) where everyone always hangs out and it’s really, really fun. So yes, south campus does not automatically mean you get 100 new friends, but if you’re social during the first few days and get out there and make an honest effort to meet your suitemates, floormates, and dormmates, you will have that ‘freshman’ experience some way or another.</p>
<p>However, back to what the OP was asking- this is my general take on what goes on in each dorm in terms of social life/drinking (just my observation, anyone is free to correct me if I’m wrong).</p>
<p>HJ/Craige/Eringhaus- the typical freshman high risers, people do drink here but it’s done ‘secretly’ because RAs monitor that. Obviously it all depends on your suitemates, but I’ve been to suites where everyone just hangs out and drinks together, and others where nothing happens. Some suites are just always lively and have people over all the time (not always because of drinking, either), and others are just dead. Again, all really due to chance, but honestly, people go over from quiet suites to livelier ones all the time. For example, my suite is an in between (lively some nights, really quiet others), and when it’s quiet, I just go over to my friend’s suite where there’s ALWAYS people hanging out. So it’s up to you.</p>
<p>Directional Dorms (Horton, Koury, CNorth, Harding)- mostly freshman and sophomores live in these (some juniors), they’re definitely nicer than the high rises. Not as ‘social’ and quieter, but they’re still pretty fun if you meet the right people. These are your best bets if you want a less rambunctious atmosphere, but people do still drink/gather in some rooms. Again- all depends on who’s around you.</p>
<p>Morrison- kind of like an in between of the high rises and directionals. Pretty social because of the freshmen, but there’s also many sophomores and even juniors that live there. I do know people drink there a lot as well, but I dunno how monitored it is or how loud the place usually gets. It’s really nice though, since it recently got renovated, and everyone I know that lives there likes it because of the placement (right next to Rams dining hall, work out center, stadium, and the walk is a good 3-5 minutes shorter)</p>
<p>I personally like the freshman high risers because it’s part of the ‘experience’, but judging from your description of what you want, I suggest the directional communities.</p>