<p>So I'm sure there are 9 million threads on this, but I was wondering if any current Smithies could fill me in on the culture of the houses (or direct me to a thread with more information :-P). I'm leaning more towards Smith, and I want to know a little more about my options.</p>
<p>Also - how does the housing process work for freshmen? Can you request a single?</p>
<p>If you request the Quad as your first choice and get it, you have high odds of getting a single.</p>
<p>Otoh, if you have a non-dramatic roommate situation, it accelerates your integration into the Smith community since you meet each others friends and acquaintances early on.</p>
<p>Two of the houses in the Quad are all singles or maybe one of them has two non singles so if you are placed there a single is automatic - you can’t request a single directly but you certainly lean your form toward it and those two houses are both in one part of the quad. My d’s experience with a single has been very good since all the First years in her house (and there are at least 20) are also in singles so it is an even field and they have all gotten to know each other well - but she really likes having her own space and is not imposing her disorganization on others 
I also think the mix up upperclassmen and first years works really well to expand your social group since she has met a lot of people through the upperclassmen in her house as well. Also the rooms at Smith are pretty amazing compared to a lot of other colleges - my D’s closet is maybe triple the size of the one at home.
She likes the social busyness of the quad but also seems to spend a lot of time studying.</p>
<p>You should look at the “how to pick a roommate thread” on page two or just search this board for houses or housing. I feel like we’ve amalgamated hundreds of threads on this topic by now.</p>