<p>My dd is filling out the room mate preference forms, and is trying to decide whether to select the language dorm option. She would like to improve in Spanish, but she is also worried that her rudimentary skills in the language at this point would make it hard to socialize as a first year student. Should she wait and try the language option in a later year?</p>
<p>Any experience with this option?</p>
<p>The language dorm, Haffner, is a great option for students to work on their fluency. Students of all levels are encouraged to live there, so your daughter shouldn’t feel intimidated by her skills. Because students are also required to take a language class (unless they’ve tested out), it can be nice to continue your studies outside of the classroom. You should also note Haffner consists only of singles, including freshmen rooms. It also houses one of the two dining halls on campus and is close to the train station, if that’s of any importance.</p>
<p>That said, each dorm has a different personality and attracts different students. Some freshmen really look forward to the roommate experience, but if your daughter would rather live alone, this is a more viable option. Haffner is a quieter dorm and suits independent students. If your daughter is looking for a much more active and social environment and lots of floormate bonding, I’d advise maybe exploring other options. Our language departments alone are very strong and I’m sure she’d make great strides in her skills by just going to class.</p>
<p>Thanks English Ivy, you are very helpful. How many Freshwomen choose the dorm?</p>
<p>I don’t know the exact number, but here’s Residential Life’s page on Haffner. If you look at the floorplans, freshmen rooms are marked so you can get a feel for the layout/number of students.
[Residential</a> Life | Bryn Mawr College](<a href=“http://www.brynmawr.edu/residentiallife/floorplans/haffner.shtml]Residential”>http://www.brynmawr.edu/residentiallife/floorplans/haffner.shtml)</p>