<p>To all CCers:</p>
<p>I have decided to start anew and initiate a new thread in this forum. The "I'll Answer Your Lafayette Questions!" thread has simply become unmanageable!</p>
<p>Do not hesitate to post your questions. As always, I will try my best to respond in a timely manner.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>CCers:</p>
<p>Allow me to christen this thread with a response I provided via Private Message to the user janesmom1. She was asking for advice regarding housing for her daughter, and I'm sure she won't mind me sharing.</p>
<p>RESPONSE TO JANESMOM1:</p>
<p>janesmom1,</p>
<p>Allow me to preface my message by pointing you in the direction of the following page off of the Residence Life website: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ereslife/re...halls_grid.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reslife/re...halls_grid.php</a>. This chart should help you in filling out that room preference questionnaire, because as I understand, you can't make specific choices anymore. There are certain criteria that you select (size of building, number of first-year students, gender layout, etc.). If your daughter were to decide on Ruef Hall, for instance, she would need to make sure her choices clearly designate that particular residence hall. I could always help you fill it out once she makes her choice.</p>
<p>Let's take it a step at a time, shall we?</p>
<ol>
<li><p>My top choice for her would be Ruef Hall. Even though it was built back in 1969 and the interior may seem a little bit dated, the social/community atmosphere MORE than makes up for that! The rooms are nicely-sized doubles, and the building houses 110 first-years and about 30 sophomores. It is co-ed by section of the building (males and females room on opposite split-level sections of each floor). Each room has two walk-in closets, which students really enjoy for privacy. I can't stress enough that the students in Ruef ALWAYS get to know each other really well, and a large community lounge on the first floor helps facilitate socializing. The lounge has pool tables, ping-pong tables, a large TV, couches, and vending machines. Ruef is centrally located on campus near many academic buildings (check out a campus map at <a href="http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lafayette.edu/community/campusmap/</a>) and many other residence halls.</p></li>
<li><p>PT Farinon House/Conway House: these two buildings are called "art houses" (I'm not entirely sure why). Each houses just about 30 first-year students, so it's like a big family. There are central lounge areas in each building. The only downside is that both buildings are located a little far west on campus (see campus map). However, the students get to know each other really well and seem to have a good time. The houses are similar in interior quality to Ruef Hall.</p></li>
<li><p>Kamine Hall holds about 90 first-years. It is located far from the center of campus, but is in great condition since it was just built. There is also a dining location on the ground floor called Simon's Cafe that serves hot sub sandwiches and home-made soups. Maybe not a good idea if you'd like to save a few $$$, because if you live there, you run through $$$ quickly! It has air conditioning.</p></li>
<li><p>Keefe Hall has carpeting in all the students rooms and air conditioning. It houses just 16 first-year students on a "Wellness" floor (no drugs/alcohol). I lived there last year, and let me assure you that there is no stigma to living on a "Wellness" floor. We got to know each other SO WELL, but I feel it was too quiet at times. The building is in really great shape and is located next to Ruef Hall. However, the 16 of us tended to isolate ourselves from the rest of the building because they were all upperclassmen. A great building, but again, maybe not "social" enough for your daughter.</p></li>
<li><p>Marquis Hall is an all-female residence hall. I've heard mixed things about this building. Some like it because it has a main dining hall just downstairs. Others thought there was "too much estrogen flying around" (take that as you will). The rooms are nicely-sized, and many have a shared walk-in closet. It houses 40 first-year women, and 60 women total. There is also a 24/7 computer lab in the basement, which is pretty convenient.</p></li>
<li><p>I would probably avoid McKeen Hall. Even though it went through an interior renovation just recently, it gets a little rowdy and people tend to tear down the walls (literally) in that building. I'd also steer away from Gates Hall, which is located right next to McKeen Hall. It is in need of an interior renovation.</p></li>
<li><p>Now, on to South College, which is probably the most popular options for all students who choose to live on campus (95% of students). It houses first through fourth-year students in a co-ed setting (males and females room next to each other). It is our largest residence hall, housing just about 220 students total (110 spots are RESERVED for first-year students). There is always some action going on in South, and it can get noisy on Friday and Saturday nights with small parties in student rooms. I'm not saying parties don't happen elsewhere, but South is known as being more "socially active" than other buildings. It was last renovated in 2002, so it now has carpeting in each room and air conditioning. The rooms, on average, are ENORMOUS for two people. It might be a bit too "busy and loud" for your daughter, but consider it a viable option.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>There is always more I could say about any given building, but I think my little summaries do a decent job. If you'd like to know more about a particular building, however, do not hesitate to ask for more information.</p>
<p>You know, if your daughter is still having trouble deciding, I could send her a few building floor plans. Just provide an email address and I'll send over a few PDF files as attachments.</p>
<p>Happy choosing!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Hi Just,</p>
<p>How come on this website: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Ereslife/residence_halls_grid.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reslife/residence_halls_grid.php</a> they indicate that Keefe is a freshman house while you said there are only 16 freshmen..Im now inclined towards Ruef, Kamine and South College and I really wanna put down 2 choices for some of the option in the resident form..</p>
<p>tbhnams,</p>
<p>That chart is misleading! As I said before, Keefe Hall has only 16 first year residents living together in a close-knit community. I guess their floor is kind of segregated, but just know that the rest of the building (about 100 residents) are upperclassmen.</p>
<p>The other three buildings designated as "First Year Houses" house ONLY first year students. Both Conway House and PT Farinon House contain 30 students, while Kamine Hall holds about 90 students.</p>
<p>I hope this clears up any confusion.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Hey Justin,</p>
<p>Could you tell me how flexible is the curriculum in Lafayette is? I plan to do Engineering and it seems rather intense (thus not much time to take other interesting classes).</p>
<p>And is there anything to do in Easton? Or will there so much activities in campus that you won't have the time or the need to wonder into town? Just really scared I'll be bored there.</p>
<p>eslite,</p>
<p>If you plan on studying Engineering at Lafayette, you will not have as much freedom to explore the curriculum as other students. Take, for instance, the standardized curriculum outlined for prospective B.S. Chemical Engineers: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Echemeng/lab.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~chemeng/lab.php</a>. As you can see, there are very few available slots for elective courses.</p>
<p>You might consider Lafayette's Bachelor of Arts degree in Engineering. Check out the standardized A.B. Engineering curriculum here: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Eabengrg/cur_model.php%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~abengrg/cur_model.php</a>. As you can see, there are more opportunities to take courses outside of the department. A.B. Engineers can earn a minor in another field quite easily, as they have greater freedom in their studies.</p>
<p>Easton has some great restaurants, and more seem to be opening up all the time. As we speak, billions of tax dollars are being fed into the city to make it more student and tourist-friendly. There are great little antique shops, bookstores, and privately-owned coffeehouses (just to name a few attractions).</p>
<p>You are right, though, that many students can't even find the time to get off campus. In addition to keeping yourself occupied with schoolwork, it's up to you to get involved in as many clubs/activities/sports/jobs as you can handle. Trust me...it sometimes feels like there just aren't enough minutes in the day to do everything! It is very easy to keep yourself busy (sometimes TOO busy!) at Lafayette, so no worries there.</p>
<p>All the best,</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>good to have you back on the board Justin!</p>
<p>Students of the Class of 2011:</p>
<p>I have been telling everyone that there will be a June Academic Advising Program as in previous years to help incoming students select their courses for the fall.</p>
<p>I have since learned directly from "the source" that the program no longer exists, even though it may be listed on various webpages. Rather, incoming students will register for courses online over the summer. I'm sure that more information regarding this new process is forthcoming.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Justin,
I have a few questions. My D and I visited Lafayette on our spring break. It's a beautiful campus and we saw it on a beautiful day.</p>
<p>How many girls are in most of your engineering classes? My D was afraid that there would be very few girls that are majoring in engineering and it might be hard to find people in the same situation as her. She's afraid (and this was our impression from our tour guide) that she will have a lot more work than the other girls in her hall and that sophomore year they will all pledge and she won't have time. She's also afraid that once she gets in her major there might only be a couple of girls in her classes.</p>
<p>She's a little afraid that the campus might be really preppy and she won't fit in. She would not rule out pledging but is more of a jeans girl than a khaki, vera bradley, north face girl.</p>
<p>The tour guide also said that she didn't like the food. Is there much variety?</p>
<p>Do you know if there are any way if she did go to Lafayette, would it be easy to get to Phila or NJ airport?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>deb922,</p>
<p>I'm glad you had a great visit! The campus is really beautiful, especially when the weather is nice and students congregate outdoors.</p>
<p>Now, on to your questions:</p>
<ol>
<li> About 20% of Lafayette's student body (2,400 TOTAL) major in one of our five types of engineering. Of that percentage, about 30% are females (higher than the national average of 19%). Personally, I know more female engineers than male engineers! I really can't provide a specific number of female engineers in any given class because class sizes vary, but just be aware of that 70%/30% split.</li>
</ol>
<p>As for the second part of that question, that is simply not the case. Female engineers can definitely find the time to pledge, even though they start taking five courses a semester (versus the normal four) starting sophomore year. Also keep in mind that not all sophomore girls pledge...the option is there, but does not have to be pursued. Your daughter may very well find that the traditional residence hall environment suits her well.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Yes, Lafayette does have a reputation for being rather "preppy". Is it earned? Somewhat. You'll find "preppy" students at every college, and Lafayette really is no different. Of course, there are all kinds of students on campus. I really wouldn't classify the campus as "preppy" just because some students wish to wear North Face. I can assure you that your daughter would not feel a need to "conform", as she'll quickly find out that students don't really care what others choose to wear.</p></li>
<li><p>Well, the tour guide is entitled to his/her opinion. I think that the college offers a wide variety and a decent amount of options for students (6 places to eat on campus). You're bound to get sick of the monotony of college food at ANY college/university, and thankfully, there are many affordable restaurants just off campus. For more information on our dining halls and food options, please feel free to explore the Dining Services website at: <a href="http://ww2.lafayette.edu/%7Edining/%5B/url%5D">http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~dining/</a>. Be sure to turn down your speakers...the elevator music on that website is quite annoying!</p></li>
<li><p>The easiest way to get to either Lehigh Valley International or to Newark Liberty is by Easton Taxi. If your daughter wished to go into either city (Philly or NYC), there is bus service from Easton for a reasonable fee (around $30 round-trip).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope my quick responses prove sufficient. If you wish for me to elaborate on any point, just let me know.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Thank you so much for your great answers. I appreciate the time that you took to answer them so throughly.</p>
<p>Been a "lurker" for a while and just thought I'd add my 2 cents to Justin's comment about taking a taxi to Newark Liberty -- our S catches flights home through NWK Liberty...The bus -- transbridge -- is $34.00 round trip and, while not as convenient as a taxi, certainly beats the $150.00 taxi ride!</p>
<p>lafparent,</p>
<p>Thanks for that bit of information, and also for making your presence known. Sometimes, I lose the motivation to respond to questions when I think no one is listening! </p>
<p>I wish that those still "lurking" would come out from hiding, if only to liven up this message board. Don't let the web site's registration process keep you from chiming in. Signing up is easy, and you receive no unwanted emails as a member of the CC community.</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks lafmom, it's very useful information. I was worried how she could get home, she would have to fly home. The bus sounds like a great idea. I wonder how many at Lafayette are from other than the tri state area?</p>
<p>deb922</p>
<p>We live in California. D is a freshman. Transbridge runs service to JFK and Newark at reasonable price. Requires planning ahead but not a huge deal. If your D goes there, she will find many friends from NJ, PA and NY to occasionally spend a weekend or "in-between time with.
My D's roomate is an engineering major. Lafayette has all types of students. Prep reputation overblown.</p>
<p>deb922,</p>
<p>Just to echo safisher -- our S is a soph engineering major and is far from "preppy." Many of his friends are women engineering majors, so your D should not worry about being in the minority. He can't imagine going to school somewhere else -- he's said that returning to campus is almost like going home. As Justin has written, the engineering program is challenging and stressful, but classmates often study together and the professors always seem to be available for help and for support.</p>
<p>Thanks lafparent. It's good to know that she would have company as an engineering major. I think that although we had a very nice tour guide and she was great, maybe she wasn't the best fit for my D. My D would love to be able to find a school that was smaller and had a LAC feel, something that I think Lafayette is.</p>
<p>i have just a few questions...
now that the june advising/orientation was eliminated, when are we supposed to know about when to choose classes? will we be mailed a course book or something like that? and are we supposed to pick classes online? do you know if you are able to study abroad if you are a bio major? also, do you think that kamine is a very popular residence hall request or do you think that i will have a good chance in getting it, even if i was on the later side to hand in my deposit? and one last question, do you know if we will be receiving any more information about anything in the near future, or is the next mail that we will get from Lafayette the housing/roommate info in july? sorry these questions were so random!
thanks!</p>
<p>lafayette1234,</p>
<ol>
<li><p>You will be receiving a packet of information with course listings, recommended first year schedules, and other registration information sometime over the summer. Yes, you will be required to select your course choices online, and I'm sure the process will be outlined quite clearly.</p></li>
<li><p>Yes, you could definitely study abroad as a Biology major.</p></li>
<li><p>I imagine Kamine Hall is one of the more popular residence hall options for first-year students because it houses only first-year students, has A/C, was just built, and has a restaurant on the ground floor. However, it is located a bit far from the center of campus. I honestly cannot guess as to whether you still have a chance of being assigned to Kamine.</p></li>
<li><p>You will be receiving mail throughout the summer from many different departments and offices. I believe the registration packet will be sent from the Office of the Dean of Studies, and as you stated, housing and roommate assignments are sent out by the Office of Residence Life in mid-July.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Don't be sorry about asking questions. I am here to answer those "random" questions, so feel free to ask away!</p>
<ul>
<li>Justin</li>
</ul>
<p>Also, the June Academic Advising Days never were really an orientation program. The first-year orientation program is August 24-26, right before classes begin.</p>