<p>My son got into an honors program w/these luxe, apt-style living arrangements (4 private bedrooms, spacious living room, kitchenette, tons of space -- nicer than most first aptments for those entering the work force).</p>
<p>Everyone says how great this is (& how other students would love to live there) -- yet I can't help thinking traditional dorm living (2 people in a little room, lots of kids on your floor, 100s of kids in your dorm) would make for a much more social situation.</p>
<p>Even the honors student we talked to said she made sure to make an 'extra effort' to get to know kids by joining activities, etc. (so she'd make social connections outside her apt-style living arrangement). </p>
<p>Just wondered if anyone had heard stories or had thoughts about this? Thanks.</p>
<p>While I much prefer living in an apartment, my traditional dorm living freshman year was a huge part of my social experience and one I don’t think can be replicated.</p>
<p>So I think it depends on a lot of things. For me, freshman year was too much fun and that was definitely connected to how I was living, and I wouldn’t have traded that experience for anything.</p>
<p>My wife lived in a setup as you described for her freshman year- two bedrooms, four people, shared kitchen, living room etc. I lived in a traditional dorm for freshman year. She is typically more social than I am yet going into sophomore year, I knew several fold more people around campus than she did. I think this setup is isolating and while it may lead to closer friendship with your suitemates, I think it prevents you from easily meeting lots of people.</p>
<p>Thanks, modestmelody & belevitt!</p>
<p>The suite-style living is at ‘near free ride’ school, but on closer inspection, the school doesn’t have a lot in son’s career area of interest – so he may be looking at ‘regular dorms’ (& lotsa debt) after all.</p>
<p>Appreciate the thoughts!</p>