Which are the best for freshmen? Do students usually get their first or second choice for housing?
There is no “best.” It depends on what kind of environment you’re looking for. This guide may be helpful, although I don’t think it’s been updated for a few years.
If you live in Upper Rez you will not need to go to the gym…they call it upper for a reason. 
thank you!
The unofficial McGill site is gone. Could you address general housing atmospheres? My daughter is hoping for Douglas, and I just can’t remember what the flow chart said about the other upper res dorms. She doesn’t want hotel living, prefers dorm style, but doesn’t want the party dorms. Any help would be appreciated as she is finishing her housing survey today.
@1962kme I think all of the Upper Rez dorms aside from Douglas historically have a party rep. That can change from year to year, though, as new kids come in. Royal Vic (RVC) is an all-female traditional dorm, with supposedly the best cafeteria. I think University Hall tends to be pretty laid back, and it’s small, but with coed bathrooms (in case that matters).
Good luck.
Actually the unofficial McGill guide has just been moved to a new URL