<p>My son was accepted ED and is already committed to attending. He did an overnight prior to applying, but stayed with an upperclassman. He saw the freshman dorms but didn’t get a good feel for them. He can’t go to the upcomming open house programs, but will soon have to state a dorm preference. Any suggestions or insights? He is pretty easygoing, social, moderate. He is not interested in substance free, or single sex. I think he would do best in a dorm that is fun, but not overly rambunctious. Any current students with suggestions? Thanks.</p>
<p>I'm a Class of 2010 and your description sort of sounds like me, too. I'll have to keep an eye on this thread!</p>
<p>Here's the order he wants:
1. James or Stearns- slim possibility for a single- brand new
2. Appleton (the rooms are about the same size as Plaza and Waldorf and not stigmatized as being the trailers)
3. South 3rd or 4th floor- non-subfree
4.Valentine (a little old but right above the dining hall)
5. Williston (still not Plaza or Waldorf although rooms are somewhat small)
6. Plaza or Waldorf
7. North or 1st/2nd floor South- subfree</p>
<p>Tell him to list the order of the dorms as being most important so that he gets James or Stearns- most are two room doubles (like singles) or huge one room doubles; gorgeous building!</p>
<p>On the amherst residential life site, it did not mention valentine as a freshman dorm. Either this is changed for 2006-07, or it was omitted.</p>
<p>Valentine was a contingency option for freshman housing this year, because we had more freshman than expected enroll at Amherst. This is supposed to be somewhat aleviated by turning Williston into alternative freshman housing.</p>
<p>I would put South above Appleton. Because it was the first renovated building dorm on campus, it has the oldest and least up-to-date layout and furniture. For instance, James, Stearns, Williston, and South all have study areas and lounges on each floor. Appleton doesn't have this, so the one common room in the building is sort of a study room. Which isn't helpful for those that want to watch tv. It's just not as nice. Don't get me wrong, it's not decrepit or anything. It's nicer than the dorms that I visited at other colleges, and the rooms are huge. However, it's just not as nice as the other dorms.</p>
<p>And, if you want sub-free, North is the place to be. Everyone is really close, and it's a really nice dorm.</p>
<p>Thanks all. Does everyone pretty much agree with the list? Anyone else prefer South over Appleton? If my son does opt for James and Stearn as his first two choices how likely is it that he will get either?</p>
<p>His chances are about 50% if he states his preference; about 34% of incoming students are housed there i believe; i still prefer appleton for his sitatuion as south houses the all male floor and has two subfree floors rather than one; i also think the rooms in appleton are bigger</p>
<p>Thanks hersheygal. Where did you live as a freshman?</p>