Newton has the reputation of isolating students, in which I want to try and secure Upper. Any thoughts? Is Newton not as bad as it sounds?
I disagree with that reputation. Based on my kid’s experience, Newton kids feel like part of a community and the Upper kids tend to feel more isolated in that they don’t know everyone on their floor. Seriously, don’t sweat the Newton/Upper thing. The bus can suck in the snow or rain but you get used to it like anything else. The food is better on Newton and the community is very tight-knit and it’s easy to make friends. It’s not a big deal and they both have pros and cons.
Agree with keepmecruisin.
Read through the past threads on this subject. Lots of great discussions.
Each location has its pros and cons.
Yes the Newton bus gets old, but don’t underestimate Newton’s sense of community.
Newton is sub-optimal because you have to wait for/take a bus to and from campus. Many freshman live on Newton so it will seem “normal” to be a commuter. The isolation/freshman only aspect does create a sense of community for the students in the Newton dorms. Also, you are less likely to get a forced triple room if you are assigned to Newton.