hi! I’m going into my senior year of high school and I really like smith. however, I’m a little concerned about housing. I do want a roommate so I don’t totally miss out on the dorm experience, but I’d otherwise like to live in the quad – it seems a lot more social. any way to get the best of both world? do people at smith regret not experiencing dorm life?
what is dorm life? speaking to people on your floor?
the lack of dorms was actually big draw for me because each house has its own community of sorts with shared meals and weekly teas and whatnot. it depends on the person how involved they want to be in their house.
it’s totally possible to get have a roommate in the quad. if you list that you want to share a double in your housing application as a first-year you are basically guaranteed a roommate. it just means that you probably wont end up in King or Scales.
okay, thank you!
What what I’ve seen trolling around on CC, Smith has some of the best housing of any college in USA. Their house system is unique.
I would also like that add that there isn’t much to be missed without a roommate.
The vast majority of times, you won’t be exactly friends with your roommate even if you get along well. And since a good number of first years in the quad also have a single it’s not like you’re missing out on an experience.
I have a single in the quad now and I like it a lot. It makes it easier in a way to make friends since my room is the go to hang out spot since my other friends have roommates and have to worry about interrupting their roommates studying and things like that when they plan to invite friends over
Just food for thought.
Something to keep in mind from people I know who have been to Smith. For the most part, all loved the housing system. However, the vast majority of people stay in their houses for 4 years, and it is hard to move around. Some people have told me that as they got to their Junior and Senior years, the small houses felt claustrophobic, and they wish they had chosen one of the larger ones.
^^
I’m not sure what the issues were with the Smithies that you know, but it isn’t exceedingly difficult to change houses.The administration strives very hard to accommodate students.
My wife changed houses three times. Many of my daughter’s friends changed houses.
I was just reminded by a Smithie that the college has a vested interest ensuring that students have fond memories of their college years. Future donations! Smithies can be cynical at times. 
I was recently told that about half of Smithies end up switching houses at least once during their 4 years at Smith. Definitely possible to switch houses if you don’t fit in or get bored.