<p>How does the housing work for freshman? Which are like the best dorms to live in? Do we fill out a request form or are we just randomly assigned?</p>
<p>You fill out information about yourself and your preferences online this summer. This form basically helps pair you with a roommate, roommates, or into a single. None of the questions directly increase your chances of getting certain dorms, unless you indicate that you want to be in substance free dorms (no drinking/drugs) or in East Wheelock. Sub-free does not mean that you can't drink/do drugs outside of the dorm, however. (US Law is what covers that!) </p>
<p>East Wheelock advertises itself as more of a learning community. This means that you get special speakers/programming for your dorm. Those who live in East Wheelock seem to be somewhat segregated from the rest of the campus, simply because all the other Freshman live a lot further away. Socially, East Wheelock is the only dorm with a stigma attached to it. The residents tend to be quieter and don't drink/go out a lot (there are exceptions.)</p>
<p>People apply to live there (which requires an essay) for various reasons. Some like the aforementioned academic community feel, some like the proximity to the Alumni Gym/Fitness Center, and some just like to have a quiet place to return to after a hard night of partying.</p>
<p>If you can go to dimensions, try and go to one of the activities there and see what you think for yourself.</p>
<p>In case you are curious about the best freshman dorms, I would have to say that it depends what you like. There are two dominating characteristics of a dorm that will be most relevant to you: quality/condition and location. So, here are a ranking of all the freshman dorms:</p>
<p>Quality/Condition:</p>
<p>** Very Good ** - Seriously the best dorms of any college. Look like hotels.
Fahey/McClane (Part of the Russel Sage Cluster)
McLaughlin Cluster
East Wheelock Cluster</p>
<p>** Good ** - Relatively above average dorms.
Russel Sage/Butterfield (Part of the Russel Sage Cluster)
The Choates Cluster
The River Cluster</p>
<p>Location Ranking: (Keep in mind that the absolute worst location means a 5 minute walk to anywhere on campus. It feels like more in sub-zero though.)</p>
<p>Russel Sage Cluster- Best
The Choates Cluster- Very Good
McLaughlin Cluster- Okay
East Wheelock Cluster- Worst if you don't want to be far from other freshman.
The River Cluster- The Worst of all dorms (freshman or otherwise).</p>
<p>As you can see, the only clear 'best' and 'worst' is the Fahey/McClane dorms in the Russel sage cluster, and The River Cluster. There are some other factors that some people do consider... Decide for yourself if that makes them better or worse.</p>
<p>Other Factors:</p>
<p>Fahey/McClane- Also has some upperclassmen living there in suite-style rooms. But they are all contained on the bottom floor. Each floor has amazing kitchens and multiple study lounges. The elevators are really slow. You're allowed to kick any Fahey-McClane resident who complains about it. (After all, they live in the best dorm)</p>
<p>Russel Sage- Has a reputation for being 'Ragey' (Probably just to make the nickname Sussel Rage work). There is an unsubstantiated rumor that it has to do with the fact that it is the only dorm to never be sub-free (the sub-free dorm rotates each year.) It might also be because it is right next to Frat Row, but has a better location than the Choates (on the side closer to the library/the green/dining halls). It is also the oldest of the freshman dorms. This doesn't mean that there is a lack of quality, but it does mean that there are more 'alumni' of that dorm, so-to-speak. The lounge, the Hyphen, is good for performances, but that's about it. The Hyphen is shared with the adjacent Butterfield.</p>
<p>Butterfield= non-descript dorm. Russel sage without the cool nickname.</p>
<p>The Choates- Known for being very social. Has a very odd design from the outside, but looks normal from the inside. The bathrooms were updated recently. Each room has huge windows (nearly floor to ceiling). Freshman continually accidentally undress in clear public view without remembering to close the curtains for the first few weeks every year. They also have their own beach-volleyball court. They also have interesting suspended glass walkways in between them.</p>
<p>The River- Average quality dorms + worst location = worst dorms. You probably lose weight in the winter because you don't want to leave your dorm to get food. Highly incestuous cluster. Could possibly be equated to a DOC-like wilderness bonding experience. (You might have to spoon for warmth at night). In all seriousness, it's not that bad. But it's the only dorm you do not want.</p>
<p>McLaughlin- As new/fancy as Fahey-McClane, but further away from the center of campus. There might be a new dining hall near it in the future, though.</p>
<p>East Wheelock- Read previous description.</p>
<p>wow! thank you so much!</p>