<p>what's the low-down on the freshmen dorms? which is good if you're social? which has a good central location? is it a good idea to request a roommate that you meet at orientation? What are the new dorms (the frats that have recently been converted) like? thanks! I'm so excited!</p>
<p>There are three areas Freshman can live: North Quad, East Quad, and West Quad. I would say they are all social, but in different ways. All freshman dorms are "substance free", but West Quad is the freshman party area(Shorney and Smith Halls). Smith is newly renovated, so it is nicer than Shorney, but Shorney is more social having room for 250 of the freshman class. North Quad(old frat houses) is a very tight knit community, but most of North Quad kids arent as into drinking and partying as much. Houses are smaller, creating a community within the house, and usually rooms are bigger than the standard residence hall. East hall is a tight knit hall as well, over on East Quad, but i believe it has stricter quiet hours, as do some of the houses on Northquad. West Quad is right next to one of the main dining halls, and closest to the academic quad. It also is very close to the senior apartments, where lots of parties are. Northquad is equal distance from about everything on campus(closer to East Quad where mostly juniors and sophmores live and parties go on, but far from any dining halls and the academic quad.) East hall is right next to a dining hall, but East Quad is a 5-8 minute walk from the academic Quad. </p>
<p>All the Freshman living offers pros and cons, but a quick summary would say West=most social,(meet most people) party types East= tight knit community, near upperclassmen dorms and food, far from class buildings, and North= tight knit community equidistant from everything but close to nothing. </p>
<p>Also East and North quads are closer to the athletic compound, pool, sports field, etc</p>
<p>If you are very nervous about getting "stuck" with a "bad" roommate, rooming with a friend made over June orientation is always an option, and usually works out well considering you can detect at least some sort of chemistry. My random roommate worked out well, so i have no complaints though</p>
<p>This is great info, hodgeman. Would it make sense for an athlete to head for North Quad? I can't remember if Denison is a school that has teammates room together or not (some schools require it; some don't allow it). My son is very social but does not drink. (No, really.)</p>
<p>north quad is maybe 5 minutes closer(than west) to the practice facilities for most sports, so while it might offer convience its not necessary. North quad is generally quieter though</p>
<p>thanks so much, that really helps. We CAN make requests for which dorm we would like, right?</p>
<p>There isnt a space where you check what dorm you want, but in the comments section if you put "i want ______ quad" they usually try to make things work</p>