<p>I am wondering about the quality of Middlebury dorms. Based on book reviews they seem to be rated highly. Can anyone give insight? Is it more like dorms or suites or even tiny communities living in a house of sorts? And does it lead to a more unified sense of community?</p>
<p>The commons system was intended to and does create a sense of community for incoming freshmen. In addition, all freshmen are required to take a writing-intensive seminar and are placed in the same commons with their seminar classmates, so that creates another connection. Many freshmen are in Battell which is a pretty basic dorm and the least impressive one at Middlebury. But a lot of freshmen like it because the long halls of 2 person rooms lead to more socializing than the suites. Ross commons is beautiful and 1/5 of the freshmen are there. Some dorms have suites— sometimes with single rooms in a cluster which some freshmen like.</p>
<p>The housing is quite good, especially compared to other places. Battel is definitely a bit small but you meet more people since more people live there and you spend more time out of your room. On the other hand, the Ross freshman housing is quite accommodating, and the top floor has vaulted ceilings, so they look even bigger. There are also singles, and they are really quite spacious.</p>
<p>There are 5 “commons” in which you are grouped to be housed for your Midd career. After freshman year, there is a wide range of options from singles to suites to theme houses.
Bettel is know as “the projects”, and my s is in a basic 10 by 14 double there. No laundry in the building is a major inconvenience.Every one eats at Ross or Proctor( or both, as they don’t check IDs or have a meal plan, so every one can eat with their friends in waves, if they like)
Ross where my Feb son was placed “feels like a luxury hotel” to him. Because it is attached to the dining hall, he can go to eat in his pajamas. His double there was quite large, and now he has a single-his choice.</p>