How are the dorms at UPENN

<p>Ok, you seem to know a lot about the rooms, I am an incoming freshman for next year and I am really worrying about this more than I need to. Regardless of the fact, here is my schpeel:</p>

<p>I know I want to live in the quad, I also know I want a single room. My two top houses are Ware and Fisher. The best best case scenario would be to live in a 3BR where I get my own room, but I still get to have roommates. Is there a way to specifically apply for that? And if not, are those rooms more common in Fisher or Ware?</p>

<p>Second part, what are the perks to living in each? I know that Ware is really really loud and that’s not always a good thing, but I love that it’s right in the heart of the quad. </p>

<p>Ok, that’s all. I hope you can help:)</p>

<p>@dnjsmom88- I would suggest Kings Court/ English, it’s a couple blocks away from hunstman but it’s in the middle of campus so it’s closer to other buildings your son may be taking classes in as well (math, writing seminar). The kids I’ve spent time with here are closest to your son’s personality, but then again diff. classes have diff. personalities. I would also look into residential programs that match your sons interest, that way you can assure he’s surrounded by other kids who have that in common with him.
Again, however, this is all personal opinion.</p>

<p>@denverpennkid</p>

<p>To my knowledge, the only way you can get a single in the quad (w/ roommates) is if you live in a 2BR triple. Two people share one room and the third person gets a single. Most of the rooms in the quad are either singles or doubles…Also, You apply specifically for room types when the housing app comes out.</p>

<p>If you really want this type of room, though, I would look into the high rises. They have 2BR doubles and 3BR triples. I believe Gregory and Dubois also have more suite-style living.</p>

<p>In terms of Ware vs. Fisher, they’re pretty much the same…Ware has more stairs and it’s always funny when you answer “Ware” when someone asks you where you live. In terms of loudness, it really varies from year to year. You could end up with a loud hall, or one that is really quiet.</p>

<p>Does having a single as opposed to a double in the Quad or Hill put you at a “disadvantage” for making friends and being part of dorm life. I am cool with having a roommate, but having a room to myself is also appealing.</p>

<p>Not at all. You’d be surprised how many other people have singles in the quad. I lived in one and made friends just fine ;)</p>

<p>You meet people outside of your dorm in classes, in clubs, etc. So no need to worry about meeting new people. You’ll be doing that all NSO-long</p>

<p>Hey all -</p>

<p>I’m an incoming freshman who is mainly focused on social experience. I really like the idea of Hill but it sounds like the rooms suck. And it seems like the Quad is a good place for social experience too, but does anyone have any guidance for me if I’m looking for absolutely the best/most fun social experience, and the quality of rooms isn’t the most important? Also Fresh Ex sounds fun but for some reason I’m hesitant about living in a high rise. It also seems like some people say the Quad is overrated. This is kind of rambling, so to concentrate my question - can someone do the pros and cons of the social experience in the Quad vs. Hill versus any other socially vibrant dorms? Or just elaborate more on the social experience. Thank you so much!</p>

<p>

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<p>Quad first, Hill second.</p>

<p>Hi. I was accepted ED to the College this past December. Now the Housing App is out and I am not sure where I want to live. I want a room (preferably single) with AC and private bathrooms. I do not mind a little walk to classes but do not want to be really far. I want to have fun but also be able to study hard when I want to. I am considering FreshEx but am not sure if it is for me or not. I do not need to be around ALL the other freshmen but do want to be able to meet people. What houses do you suggest I apply for?</p>

<p>Bump because this is an extremely informative thread.</p>

<p>Also, can someone elaborate on Choseri’s question? (#77)</p>

<p>Can anybody elaborate on the washrooms in the Quad dorms? Are they generally the same? Or are some better than others? I’m also looking for the freshman experience and not too picky about the state of the rooms since I’ll only be using my room to sleep and occasionally study. </p>

<p>As well, how likely are you to get the dorm of your choice if all your choices are in the Quad? I really want to join the Integrated Studies RP at Riepe (and it is currently my #1) but I’m afraid my marks aren’t good enough to get into BFS (since they basically take the people with the highest marks right?).</p>

<p>The bathrooms in the Quad are not that bad. They are pretty much like the average public bathroom. There is a person who cleans the bathrooms every day or two so they don’t get too gross.
As for getting the dorm of your choice, it’s all up to luck unless you apply for a living program like you are doing. I live in Riepe right now and it is definitely the best college house in the Quad (if you like tons of free food).</p>

<p>Do you experience any problems with congestion for the showers? How functional are the showers? </p>

<p>My dad wants me to live in one of the high rises with the FreshEx residential program because he’s worried that I won’t be able to secure one after freshman year when they kick you off the Quad. Would I still be able to get the so called “freshman experience”? The high rises seem pretty modern as well from the pictures but I can’t really tell that well. </p>

<p>Agh I love free food! Do you know how many people apply to be a BFS each year? I really want to live on Riepe and participate in the ISP RP. If not, my 2nd choice will probably be Ware, and then the high rises.</p>

<p>If I ever get off the waitlist, do I have choices for housing? I just want my own bathroom haha. Don’t mind sharing with 4 other people but a whole floor… ehh.</p>

<p>Like will I be able to participate in the residential programs?</p>

<p>Ahh i can’t decide if I want Hill or Quad. The floor plan/lounge layout of Hill seem really nice but the architecture of the Quad is awesome and has AC. Hill seems closer but the Quad seems pretty much the same to Hill in that…</p>

<p>@muerteapablo Hill doesn’t have A/C (that would be the quad). Their shirts actually say “We’re too cool for A/C”. Also, they are extraordinarily far from their classes with the exception of science/english (Fisher Bennet Hall).</p>

<p>So, do you have to pay extra for getting into a residential program? Maybe not for joining fees but for activities after? </p>

<p>And same question as nebbalish (#92) - Would I still be able to get the so called “freshman experience” if living in the highrises?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>@Lyra145 Nope–no extra fees. I’m in a residential program (Study of Infectious Disease). Also, everyone’s experience is different. Harrison (I believe) has a program called FreshEx. It’s a good way to have a freshman experience–though the quad housing is much more popular.</p>

<p>@nebbalish:
You don’t kicked off the quad after freshman year. My brother (a senior now) has been living in the same room in Riepe since freshman year. I believe he had to turn in something that said he wanted to keep his room assignment. Also I think it helps that his roommate, his best friend since high school, wanted to stay in the same room as well.</p>

<p>i think I want King’s, because I want my dorm to be a little lax and not as social as the quad. that said, is it possible to join in on the dormly fun at the quad from time to time? i just want to be able to have a “safe haven” (being my potential dorm at king’s) while being able to participate in parties and stuff on the quad and whatnot.</p>

<p>ALSO: should i apply for a house based on the programs there, or based on the living experience? king’s draws me, but not because of its programs…</p>