<p>For those that are attending or have attending NU, did you get one of your top choices for housing? How often will people end up with their 4th or 5th options?</p>
<p>I got my second choice, which is silly because it was way harder to get into than my first choice was.
It all depends on the dorms you pref and, if you're applying for a res college, how well you fit.</p>
<p>I got my first choice, Willard, but I really liked my res college app. That can really affect the decision; if it's just a dorm, your chances are more or less random.</p>
<p>i got into my top choice, slivka. really i think its just making an effort on the housing app, don't blow it off-the people in charge actually read the essays (suprise!)</p>
<p>Are there only essays for the Res colleges?...or for all residences?</p>
<p>the housing app itself has a box for essays. the app is the same for all residences, and its one application where you check off the residences you want. ie you write one essay for all 5 residences.</p>
<p>from waht i understand, regular dorms dont need essays?</p>
<p>i got 2nd choice, my top 2 are two of the most popular dorms</p>
<p>"Essays" (really, short paragraphs) are only for res colleges, not dorms.</p>
<p>I need some seasoned advice. My daughter has decided to attend NU after much gnashing of teeth over her decision. Now she needs to choose her housing and was wondering what a "good" residential college essay looked like. I would gladly accept any advice over what needs to be covered in that essay. She definitely had two that were her favorites, after staying at one on preview weekend.</p>
<p>Just things that really represent that you will be an active part of the community you want the dorm to promote; why the theme of the res college appeals to you (if it applies); what you will do to foster community and participate in community (specifically citing firesides, etc. can be helpful). Basically, make yourself sound like someone the Master of the res college would want to have live there, as obvious as that sounds.</p>
<p>Thanks dfleish, she was thinking along those lines, but is in disbelief about yet another college essay.ha,</p>
<p>What do you do if you apply to more than one res college? Like say Hinman and Slivka? I've heavily scrutinized the normal dorm options, and have found that I really don't like any of them (I actually don't like the res colleges that much either; I'm quite displeased with the housing options at NU compared to other schools I turned down) and would much prefer a res college. But of course, most res colleges have themes, and it's pretty tough to write an essay that appeals to a variety of res colleges with different themes. So, advice anyone?</p>
<p>"I've heavily scrutinized the normal dorm options, and have found that I really don't like any of them (I actually don't like the res colleges that much either; I'm quite displeased with the housing options at NU compared to other schools I turned down)"</p>
<p>Illinois_kid, I'm just curious. What is it that you don't like about the housing options compared to other schools? What is different about NU's offerings? Thanks.</p>
<p>Illinois_kid, I applied to three res colleges - Willard and Shepard (which don't have specializations) and the Communications Residential College. Since CRC was my favorite, I kind of gave not-so-subtle hints that I had a lot to contribute to the communications college. Then I kept the rest pretty general, since Willard and Shepard are general anyway.</p>
<p>There are SO many different kinds of living conditions between dorms and res colleges here, I find it nearly impossible to believe that you can't find ONE you are happy with. I am curious to hear what your complaints are as well.</p>
<p>Well, I am no expert on NU housing, but I have noticed that most dorms are either labeled as "party" dorms of "anti-social" dorms. It seems like there aren't a whole lot of places that are in between. I'm a social person, just I don't like parties. I like movies, going out to dinner, baseball games, theatre, music events, pickup games of basketball, walking and talking, random discussions with people that last until 4 AM, those types of things (especially the 4 AM conversations). I just don't like parties, and it seems to me that any dorm that is not considered to be a "party" dorm is seen as "anti-social". I am not anti-social in the least bit; I just prefer activities that do not involve "partying". It seems like the defining criterion of the "socialness" of a dorm is how much of a party dorm it is. It seems that there aren't a lot of dorms/res colleges that are social yet are not heavily connected with the frat/party scene at NU. It seems that the res colleges fit my criterion of a good place to live better than many of the dorms, but many of them get tagged with the "anti-social" label, which kind of turns me off. </p>
<p>To be honest, my criticism of NU dorms probably doesn't hold true for most people, as most kids at NU probably would include partying in their definition of a "fun" dorm. Part of this comes from the fact that I am at NU not by choice, but because my parents, who are very loyal alumni, essentially made me come here, even though I was accepted at several schools who's academic and social environments fit me much better. Again, I started another thread about this, but if anyone has suggestions for me, they would be greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Oh also, aside from the party/anti-social dichotomy that sort of bothers me, a lot of the dorms themselves just don't seem all that nice. I haven't seen most dorms on NU's campus, but the ones I've seen haven't exactly impressed me. I know there are probably better dorms than the ones I've seen and heard about at NU, but on the whole I'm not exactly thrilled with the size and comfort of the ones I've seen (and I've gone to boarding school for 3 years; I know what dorms are like).</p>
<p>I understand your concerns and discomfort, but I think its unfounded. People label dorms as "anti-social" or as "party" dorms because its easy. Many define themselves in stark terms that overexaggerate their personality. There will be NO people who drink every day of the week. Their livers and their GPAs wouldn't make it to Halloween. There are also NO people who lock their doors and study, sleep, go to class, or eat 24/7. Most people are somewhere in the middle, but in the varying shades of gray. Those who know they want a big-dorm atmosphere and would like to drink and party will choose Bobb or Allison. Those who know they want to be with theater majors will choose Jones etc.
Regardless of your social desires, I think any student would be nuts to pass on all of the opportunities that NU and its surrounding areas have to offer. There are shows that will impress the least-theatrically inclined, football games that will excite the least-interested, and a town that will bring out even the biggest of hermits. If you go to a speaker like Sarah Silverman or Zach Braff you are likely to be sitting in between some frat boy and a small sheepish girl who would rather spend her nights doing work and talking to friends in Starbucks (apologies if I am overly stereotyping).</p>
<p>I totally understand your concern, but I urge you to not judge this place until you come here. There are few people who genuinely don't like it. Most of the discontents came here with an agenda or were bitter about something and never gave it a chance.</p>
<p>I understand Illinois_kid because he sounds a lot like me. I am social, but not a drinker. I nothing against those who do, but don't care to drink myself. </p>
<p>I have no idea which dorm to choose!!! I am more drawn to the north campus but if I have to pick 5 dorms, I'll have to include Bobb and McCulloch,right in the middle of frat central. Aren't those both big party dorms? Would I be able to study or would I have to leave and go to the library every night?</p>
<p>I'm looking for something in between the party dorm and average. Very friendly and social, without a bunch of drunk kids to deal with. I've seen enough of that in high school.</p>
<p>It is too bad your parents are making you go to NU if you want to be elsewhere. That sucks. I hope you can find a way to enjoy yourself or it's going to be a long 4 years.</p>
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a lot of the dorms themselves just don't seem all that nice. I haven't seen most dorms on NU's campus, but the ones I've seen haven't exactly impressed me. I know there are probably better dorms than the ones I've seen and heard about at NU, but on the whole I'm not exactly thrilled with the size and comfort of the ones I've seen (and I've gone to boarding school for 3 years; I know what dorms are like).
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<p>as anecdotal testimony, i went to a boarding school too, i think high school dorms are simply nicer than college dorms. Of the other colleges i've visited/attended northwestern has BY FAR the nicest dorms, and i mean by FAR FAR FAR.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I am more drawn to the north campus but if I have to pick 5 dorms, I'll have to include Bobb and McCulloch,right in the middle of frat central. Aren't those both big party dorms? Would I be able to study or would I have to leave and go to the library every night?
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<p>people in bobb mcculloch as a rule are louder and more social, yeah, but remember, they're still northwestern students with 1400 SAT scores and straight As in high school, it's not going to be animal house. the study lounges in the dorm will almost always be quiet, as will your room.</p>
<p>besides, i think if you putt bobb mcculloch 3rd or 4th down on your list, you probably won't get it, anyway: it's a popular dorm to live in.</p>
<p>To reiterate what I've said before:
you can go to Bobb-McCulloch and be an abstainer. I'm not lying...you're coming to NU in the fall regardless.
Most people even in "big bad" Bobb don't drink during the week. Is it possible there will be some loud drunk people Friday and Saturday night @ 1 AM? Absolutely. Can you close/lock your door and minimize their effect on you? Absolutely.
I agree with the comment that everyone here got (roughly) a 1400 SAT, straight As in high school, and probably is really involved in a worthy extra-curricular. This isn't animal house. But also be advised that no school is animal house. I've visited friends at many of the "big party state schools" and it's not terribly different. Yes there is more partying, but every dorm has some drinkers, some abstainers, and most in-between. I think this whole conversation was worth having but is deteriorating into people projecting their fears about college life (it's not too bad, trust me).</p>
<p>And if you come here with the attitude that this wasn't your first choice and you are here because your parents want you to be here, then let me save you some time....start your transfer applications now. I guarentee you'll hate it here. The first month or two of college is really difficult because its a new life and you don't have the same old friends and social network to rely on. You need to meet people and make friends. You need to find someone who shares a class with you or find a time for your whole hall to go meals together, because no one wants to be the kid who eats alone. Unless you give it a quarter to develop a comfort level, you'll feel more alone than you can possibly imagine.
I don't mean to sound rude, but if you come in with this attitude, you're better off staying home.</p>