<p>D wants a substance free dorm, which looks like 609 Emerson or Bushnell. She will be a Biology major, so Emerson looks good from a convenience standpoint, but is the issue of no air conditioning at all significant in Wisconsin? Also, the dorm hasn’t been renovated. What do current students think? Finally, she needs a third choice for the form; Mauer? She doesn’t like commotion, but would like a friendly, communal environment.</p>
<p>I was in 609 as a freshman, and I definitely recommend it. It’s cold for most of the academic year anyway, so the lack of AC wasn’t too bad. Yeah, it’ll be frustrating the first couple of weeks, but at least spring semester usually ends before it starts getting really hot. I don’t think the lack of renovation was a big deal. It’s not falling apart or anything. The only issue I had was that my phone had issues getting reception, though I think other peoples’ phones were fine.</p>
<p>609 also has a really great community. About 60% of my close friends are people I met in 609, and literally everyone was friendly with each other, even if they weren’t friends. There’s a big lounge on the first floor that everyone helps to decorate. When I was a freshman, we would borrow a projector from the school and have movie nights. I definitely recommend it.</p>
<p>Plus, it’s right near the academic side of campus, especially the science center, which it sounds like your daughter will use a lot. Also really close to the library, which I was always thankful for when I needed to print something at 10 PM in the middle of winter.</p>
<p>As for third choice, Mauer is good for not having commotion. Not so sure on the community aspect. The friends I’ve had in Mauer didn’t seem to necessarily know their fellow dormmates. I can’t think of an alternative that has a big communal aspect. Peet seemed pretty friendly, but they’re kind of the opposite of substance free.</p>