I am a psych major going to UMass for freshman year (I have a GT to an Ivy, but I won’t tell students this). I am not a partier and I want a single dorm. I am social though, and obviously will want to party once in awhile. I was originally thinking of living in northeast, but I want to be closer to my classes and the gym. Does central sound like the place to live? What residence areas are closest to the paid gym and psych classes? Where do I have a chance of getting a single dorm?
I would go with northeast this year and see how it goes. It’s a great dorm and don’t over look the RAP options to find students with similar interests. There is a Gym and pool near northeast but it isn’t anywhere near as nice as the new one in the western part of campus. (It’s like an old YMCA lol…though they have plans to renovate it in a year or two)
Lastly, I’m not sure where psych classes are but there is a free bus service with new buses that can shuttle you to your classes, or otherwise walking to most places isn’t too far. (The buses are band new!)
Closest to the rec center would be either the honors dorms, or southwest. Since you are not a partier, and want a single, do not choose southwest. Central is usually associated with mild-partiers, is quieter than southwest and most of their residents smoke marijuana. Northeast is the quietest of all res areas, and it is close to mostly math-engineering buildings. Orchard hill, atleast to me, seems like the best fit for your personality. Although far from the gym, it is quiet, but social, and some people choose to party.
There are very few singles for freshmen unless you have a medical condition. Don’t count on it.