<p>I'm starting to think that I would be very happy at the umass nursing school. With that in mind, I'm trying to figure out if I should do the nursing RAP in orchard hill, because of all the benefits of living so close to other students in the same difficult program. Does anyone have any info on how happy people are at orchard hill? And how far it is from the good dining halls/other buildings?
Also, which orientation date should I try to sign up for? (an earlier one or a later one?) The first is June 4-5 and the last is July 8-9.
Thank you so much!</p>
<p>There’s one advantage to earlier orientation, assuming things haven’t changed in past 3 years. Classes can fill up since students make up their course schedules during orientation.</p>
<p>Oh okay! Thank you!</p>
<p>Yes, an earlier orientation will definitely help you secure a place in your classes.</p>
<p>I’m a freshman in Orchard Hill this year. Although it’s supposedly the quietest residential area on campus, it still has its fair share of noise, especially on the weekends when I frequently hear people blasting music outside their window into the quad (though if you happen to get a room not facing the quad, this probably wouldn’t be as noticeable). There also seem to be a fair amount of people who like partying but don’t want to live in Southwest for various reasons (don’t want to be pressured into partying too much, know they need to study, etc.). Personally, I’m quiet and don’t party at all - the opposite of the things I’ve just described. So I think just about anybody can find their place in Orchard Hill. It’s not a deserted corner of campus with nerds studying 24/7, but it’s also not Southwest. It’s a good mixture.</p>
<p>As far as dining commons, you’re basically right in between both Franklin and Worcester, so that’s good. The only negative is that you’ll have to go back up the hill either way you go! The hill isn’t my best friend, but the campus buses have become my best friend because of the hill. Learn how to use them if you don’t want to walk up the hill multiple times a day.</p>
<p>Orchard Hill isn’t particularly far from most of the Academic buildings either. Right down the hill is the lower part of Central (there are some Central buildings up the hill). Going to Herter (slightly west of Haigis Mall) only takes about 5 to 10 minutes I’d say. Oh, and if you’re going from Orchard Hill to Morril 1 or 4 (be warned, they are numbered oddly), it’s only about 2 or 3 minutes.</p>
<p>Sorry for rambling so much. I hope I’ve answered all of your questions about Orchard Hill!</p>
<p>Wow thank you so much!! That was really helpful. I was nervous it would be a little bit too quiet and unsocial, but now I am happy to hear that it is just the right mix! Also the hill might be good for me to walk up… If I end up not getting to go to the gym as much as I plan 
hahaha.</p>
<p>I believe that an earlier orientation increases your chances of getting the dorm you want, as well.</p>
<p>I don’t want to do a rap but I’d like to live in first year experience. What theme would animal science/ prevet be in?</p>
<p>i wanna b e in the rap in southwest, close to the social scence and dining hall. does being in the nursing rap offer a place to concetrate and a set back from the crazy without being to far away from the parties? is it still possibel to be responsible there if ur in the rap?</p>
<p>Skater94: Well, as a freshman, you have to live in a first year experience, so don’t worry about that. I don’t think there’s an official list of 2012 themes yet, so this is just based off of the 2011 ones… Based off of your major, maybe you’d like “Health & Science (Southwest)”, “Science Solutions (Southwest)”, or “Science, Innovation & Leadership (Orchard Hill)”. You could also just sign up up for one that matches your other interests/hobbies.</p>
<p>wannabanurse: I think the biggest factor in this situation is yourself. If nobody helps you stay focused on your studies (and out of parties when you need to study), will you still be able to do well? I can’t answer for you, so it’s something you have to think about yourself. If you don’t think this is possible, you might want to consider living somewhere else. Remember, even if you don’t live in Southwest, you can still visit! And all of the other areas have their own parties too.</p>
<p>I think my first choices are northeast and central</p>
<p>The 2011 themes for Northeast and Central were the following: Discovery (Northeast) and Civic Engagement, Culture & the Arts, or Writing & Literature (Central). It’s nice if your interests fit any of those, but if not and you still want to live there, that’s fine too. I’m not in a RAP, but my dorm/floor hasn’t really had any events for my admittedly vague first year theme. I do get along with the people on my floor well, but I don’t think that had much to do with some sort of connection through our theme.</p>
<p>I view RAPs and first year themes kind of as a bonus… If there’s one that interests you a lot, that’s great, and maybe you can find others that share that interest. But if not, just pick the area you want to live in and then pick the theme in that area that fits you as best as possible.</p>