<p>I will be a freshman in mechanical engineering this fall. Now I am applying for housing. I have already looked up the housing website and seen pictures and dimensions, but the website doesn’t provide any other descriptions. I am wondering what are the different “personalities”/atmospheres at the three residence hall housing groups? (North Mountain, South Mountain/Red Bricks, Sierra Madre/Yosemite) I am not interested in the Cerro Vista Apartments. Which one is quieter? Which one has more parties? Are the North Mountains less social because of the exterior halls layout? Are some more spirited and social than others? How big of a disadvantage is it living in a dorm not specifically for your college? How big of an advantage is it staying with students from your college?</p>
<p>Also, on the housing app it lists North Mountain as one choice, but breaks down the separate halls of South Mountain. Are all North Mountains the same in personality? Do South Mountains differ a lot? How does North Mountain compare to Santa Lucia? (Both are designated for the College of Engineering)</p>
<p>Any other comments, tips, advice, personal experiences would be helpful.
Thanks!</p>
<p>Sierra Madre/Yosemite are stereotypically more “partiers”.
North Mountain is probably the quietest because of the set up. The entrances are outdoor and you share a bathroom with three other rooms. There is no common room, so you get to use the Santa Lucia (one of the red bricks) common room.
I think the red bricks are known as being pretty social and you get to know most people pretty well because you’re usually in the similar majors and because of the set up of the dorm.
I think it can be helpful to stay in a dorm with people from your college, but not necessary. Cause even if you live in one of those dorms, there will probably be some people who decide to change their majors and still live there.</p>
<p>I know a few people who dorm with their high school friends and love it, whereas there are others who turn out not liking it. Personally, I roomed with a random person because it allows you to broaden your circle of friends and even if you really don’t like them that much, there are always opportunities to switch rooms and with 3 10 week quarters you’ll find you don’t spend all that much time in your room anyway.</p>