<p>I'm an incoming firstie for the 2012-2013 academic year. I'm trying to decide what areas I want to put on my housing form, so I thought I'd make a post. I liked most of the center campus houses (well, maybe not Cutter or Ziskind) but I've heard mixed things about Haven-Wesley? Does anybody have any thoughts?</p>
<p>Both Haven and Wesley are beautiful houses with tight house community. They’re well located next to the campus center, htpughh as with any well travelled area it can get noisy there from time to time. I would say the major con would be that since they’re such small houses, some of the smallest on campus, it’s harder to get a single there when you’re in your second or third year. This is a common issue with the smaller houses. However, you always have the option of switching houses later if that becomes an issue. </p>
<p>And dont knock Cutter-Z! It may be a bit of the ugly duckling on the outside, but it’s the community that makes the house and Cutter is one of the best. Plus, it has spacious rooms, a dining hall, many singles, a working fireplace in the living room (scene of many weenie/marshmallow roasts), an awesome location, and a bonus room in the basement that is Dr Seuss themed.</p>
<p>I’m also an incoming student and I’ve been wondering how the Chapin house is like.</p>
<p>And are Cutter/Ziskind in the Quad?</p>
<p>No, C-Z is considered center campus.</p>
<p>Chapin is considered part of Green Street, but it is right on the main campus, whereas C-Z is across the street.</p>
<p>Chapin is a beautiful building, very convenient to the Campus Center and academic buildings. The staircase is said to be the model for the one in Tara in “Gone With the Wind” as that was where Margaret Mitchell lived during her time at Smith. Also beautiful views of the pond and athletic fields.</p>
<p>My d is in Haven, so I am partial. It is a well-located beautiful house. My d has not experienced any noise issues being close to the Campus Center. It has a full kitchen, but no dining hall. We felt she got very lucky in the draw for housing. I do not know what mixed feelings you are talking about, but I do know that other current students want to move into it. Unlike other houses that have lots of singles, in Haven there is about an equal mix. In Haven , Firsties will be assigned to doubles. Chapin is very close to Haven-Wesley. In fact, the 3 houses kind of line up stretching from Elm st into the center of campus.The lawn stretching out from Chapin’s front door is a truly beautiful place. Haven and Wesley are separate buildings but because Wesley is so small, it combines with Haven for activities, etc. and they are considered one house. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you all for your responses 
The size of the rooms was mentioned, do any of y’all know how to create more space if I were to get a small room?</p>
<p>I have a friend who’s a first year in Haven who lofted her bed. It depends on the house/room/bed you get, some situations allow for lofted beds and others don’t. I know some people who put one book case or dresser in the closet in order to free up more space, but again it’s pretty situational.</p>
<p>I’m he HONS for Haven-Wes!! I <3 it! Ask me anything :)</p>
<p>Cutter-z is getting renovated this summer. Some say that it will have both air-conditioners and elevators next year.</p>
<p>It is actually a really nice house, especially the location is superb.</p>
<p>Just a note, Haven Wesley is ONE house (two buildings)
Yes, the single situation is a bit rough (only seniors and guaranteed with some juniors getting singles), BUT we have suites which are lovely and a great location. People are always trying to get in. </p>
<p>We have some lovely house traditions including streaking before finals!!!</p>
<p>The rooms in wesley are tiny, but that said, I have lots of friends there and both houses are really cozy, so I put them at the top of my list when I submitted my room change form. </p>
<p>PS dunno about next year, but this year’s HR is wonderful<3</p>
<p>Lies. The Wesley rooms (minus the third floor) are HUGE. biggest in the house. THe two conjoined doubles are huge, as are the second floor single and first floor doubles.</p>
<p>This is why you gotta love CC. :rolleyes:</p>
<p>There are floor plans to most (all?) houses on the Smith resident life page (just google “smith college haven wesley” for example). They do not list dimensions, but you can get a sense of relative size.</p>