<p>I was accepted ED to NU, and I am looking into dorms. I really don't know much about residential colleges, and even less about the unthemed ones like Willard. I am trying to decide between Allison, because of the size and large rooms (and cafeteria), Willard, mainly because it may offer a better opportunity to meet people because of the close-knit nature of RC's, and Hinman, just because of the suite-style layout. Any thoughts are welcome that will help me out a little. I also do realize that you do not get your first choice dorm often, but I just want to know a little more about these 3 dorms.</p>
<p>Those are the three most popular dorms on South campus.</p>
<p>I used to live in Allison. I heard it’s been renovated recently and is now called “Hotel Allison.” I loved Allison but I feel freshmen are better able to form stronger bonds in a residential college. If you’re the type who can make friends easily with whomever you’re around, Allison is fine. If you need a more structured environment to get to know others, go for a res college. Granted, I’m not the extroverted type and still enjoyed Allison.</p>
<p>Allison was great for me. I’m probably on the extrovert side, but that said, the friends I made in Allison weren’t necessarily extroverted. </p>
<p>I was looking for somewhere comfortable with a good location for me because I figured I’d be able to make friends anyways so the dorm I chose wouldn’t be that big of a deal except in terms of 1. how long I would have to walk and 2. how nice the place was. </p>
<p>I ended up making loads of friends there anyways.</p>
<p>Willard and Allison are a bit better than Hinman, IMO. Willard is a bit farther of a walk (like an extra 2 minutes) to the rest of campus.</p>
<p>Both are similar, but somehow everyone who ever lived in Willard will be like “Whoa you live in Willard? How do you like it?” if you mention you live there. It’s a tight bond.</p>
<p>Don’t look to Willard for good food though. It’s probably the most unhealthy and can take ages if they manage to screw it up. That said, having a crappy dining hall will have you walking other places, which was pretty fun for me.</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! Also, is Bobb really as bad as I hear? I have heard that it is on the dirty side, which I would definitely not like. I’m a pretty clean person so I would not be able to deal with a nasty dorm.</p>
<p>Bob is disgusting.</p>
<p>Also, contrary to the Above, Willard is actually the furthest dorm away from everything on campus. 1835 is comparatively very close, and is objectively closer to everything but the old music administration building.</p>
<p>I know Bobb’s reputation, but I’m not sure it is as bad as its reputation. My S lived there for a year and was glad he did.</p>
<p>If you choose Bobb you’ll enjoy it. Only reason Bobb wouldn’t be fun is if you didn’t choose it and got placed there because that would mean you weren’t okay with negatives of Bobb.</p>
<p>For what it’s worth, very few of D’s friends got their top dorm choices last year – several got placed in dorms that weren’t even on their lists – yet all have had a great first year! D was put in her last-choice dorm, but has really enjoyed living there and has made many great friends. She liked the location so much that her off-campus housing next year is only a block away. ;-D</p>
<p>Don’t get too attached to any dorms you put on your list, and keep an open mind next year. You will have a great time wherever you live at NU!</p>
<p>^Great advice. I was placed in my last choice, and my roommate had it as his first choice. I was on eboard and lived there my second year. My freshman roommate did not.</p>
<p>Just pick places you’d be happy living and forget about it till you find out.</p>
<p>I am currently living in Allison right now and I go to Willard often as well.</p>
<p>I would definitely choose Allison over any dorm right now. Everything is all new and clean. All new furniture, super clean bathrooms, carpets, and lobby. You have everything you need except for a dance room, music room.</p>
<p>Dining hall is right underneath the dorm and is pretty good as well.</p>
<p>In aspects of social life. It is what you make it out to be. Sure, allison is definitely not the most tightest community in terms of floor bonding, but there are lot of people who are really close with their floor mates. Its just how much effort you put our self out there thats all. If you go anywhere it would be the same. Just be social and you will bond with your dorm.</p>