<p>Can anyone tell me about this dorm, like their experiences there, what kind of rooms they are, things like that. I searched the web but to little avail. I know it is sorta far, but even the farthest dorm doesn't seem that far. I heard it is very social and the people can be very close knit. What types of people get this dorm (typically).</p>
<p>I can't say how fun it is to live there, but within the realm of fun names, Pennypacker is second only to Wigglesworth!</p>
<p>I don't know anyone who lived there, but I'm kind of partial to Stoughton. Named for the judge who presided at the Salem witch trials.</p>
<p>My son lived in Pennypacker last year and, after getting over a bit of initial disappointment at not being in the Yard, had a great time. He shared a large suite - two bedrooms, common room, and bathroom - with three roommates. </p>
<p>Pennypacker does have a reputation, I think, as one of the more social dorms. To the extent that this is apt, it may have something to do with (1) the proportion of residents whose stated preference was to have several roommates; (2) its layout (open floors, as opposed to entryways); and (3) its being a bit off the beaten path (which may help to promote an esprit de corps).</p>
<p>As for its location, yes, it is a bit of a hike to the dining hall. On the other hand, my sense is that, at least for some students, it can be something of a relief at times to be away from the Yard. </p>
<p>Like virtually everything else at Harvard (or anywhere else), dorm life seems to be largely what you make of it.</p>
<p>I did the summer school at Harvard and stayed in Pennypacker, and I must say that I didn't think there was anything too positive about it. The one neat thing was that the dorms were very much like large hotel rooms (it was a hotel before) so they were certainly very spacious and whatnot (at least my room was). However, I think that the advantages end there. Like its been said, you are off the yard, which I would imagine kinda kills that whole INITIAL Harvard Freshman "ohhh awww" experience... I'd imagine that kids who are in Matthews or Grays certainly enjoy their view in the morning a lot more. </p>
<p>However, you are closer to the DVD rental store...</p>
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The one neat thing was that the dorms were very much like large hotel rooms (it was a hotel before) so they were certainly very spacious and whatnot (at least my room was).
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<p>Pennypacker was never a hotel. It was formerly an apartment building.</p>
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Like its been said, you are off the yard, which I would imagine kinda kills that whole INITIAL Harvard Freshman "ohhh awww" experience...
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<p>Hardly. What makes the Harvard "experience" isn't where you live; it's who you live with.</p>