<p>None of this takes into account the awesomeness of the people who will potentially be living with you.</p>
<p>New Rez - Converted four star hotel. Biggest residence as well.</p>
<p>Pros: Lots of parties close to gym, underground mall and food court, best cafeteria on campus.
Cons: This really only pertains to parents but if you want to keep your kids away from drugs and alcohol, keep them away from New Rez. Residence security is understaffed; two people have to supervise the largest McGill residence. Rooms don't have much in the way of privacy as many of them have two beds side to side. Pricey.</p>
<p>Carrefour Sherbrooke - McGill's newest residence, bought April of 2009, opened September 2009. Another converted hotel.</p>
<p>Pros: Has a decent gym and spa. Good security. Everything else sucks.</p>
<p>Cons: Old building, air conditioners don't work, building is under constant construction. Residents were being moved in while it was still undergoing renovations which are not scheduled to be complete until Fall of 2011 (which in McGill speak means Summer of 2013). Cafeteria is horrible. Not much privacy in the rooms unless you luck out. Even pricier than New Rez. Make this residence your last choice. </p>
<p>Mariott Courtyard - Slated to open in 2011 - allegedly. Across the street from Carrefour Sherbrooke. Yet another hotel.</p>
<p>Pros: Hasn't opened yet so everything I say in the cons section is purely speculative and could be wrong. </p>
<p>Cons: Knowing McGill, this residence will likely suffer through the same BS that CS did in its first couple of years of operation. 2011 and/or 2012 first years will be lab rats.</p>
<p>MORE Houses - The concept is a lot like MTV's the Real World but without the glamour. As much as 17 people can live in the same house.</p>
<p>Pros: Cheap. Communal living although that is admittedly a personal preference. Very close knit community here. Have your own kitchens so you can cook. House is nice.</p>
<p>Cons: Once you start living with 5+ people, tensions will inevitably develop. The probability of 17 random people being like minded is astronomically high. You are still forced to buy a meal plan. Bunk beds.</p>
<p>Upper Rez - It's actually a collection of residences - Molson, McConnell and Gardner, . Not all that functionally different from each other so I grouped them together. One of them does separate the genders by wing though.</p>
<p>Pros: Offers traditional dorm experience. Molson for some reason year in and year out is known for having the craziest parties. </p>
<p>Cons: Dorms are tiny. Shared co-ed bathrooms. Is located on top of a really steep hill which is quite a pain to walk up in the winter. Security is non-existent here; one guy has to watch over three buildings.</p>
<p>Royal Victoria College - Used to be all female, now co-ed.</p>
<p>Pros: Not all that different from Upper Rez. Cafeteria is nice. Across the street from school Much better security.</p>
<p>Cons: Same issues as Upper Rez minus security problems.</p>
<p>Greenbriar - Apartment style residence also across the street from McGill.</p>
<p>Pros: You'll all likely be living in an apartment of some sort after first year so this sort of prepares you for it. Meal plan is optional. Cheapest residence. </p>
<p>Cons: Apartments vary in quality. Your lease lasts 11 months as opposed to 9 months. Can't really think of any glaring faults with this one to be honest.</p>
<p>Solin Hall - Furthest residence from campus. Think Greenbriar but much nicer.</p>
<p>Pros: Nicest digs by far. High ceilings, personal kitchens, two bathrooms for three to four residents per apartment. Meal plan optional. Only slightly more expensive than Greenbiar. Definitely a unique experience. Because it's in its own little bubble, Solin residents tend to be close knit. I know a bunch of friends from Solin who had yearly reunions here five, six even seven years after they moved out. </p>
<p>Cons: Even though it's near a subway (metro) station, you have to give a 15 minute leeway to get to school. If you want the traditional college experience, this is not the residence to be in. St. Henri (the neighbourhood) has a bad reputation. For the record, I've lived in St. Henri for the majority of my time in Montreal and I've never had an issue. However, I'm also a pretty intimidating looking guy so take that for what it's worth.</p>
<p>Where should you live?</p>
<p>If you want the traditional college dorm type experience, RVC should be on the top of your list. Upper Rez is a decent alternative.
If you want the Real World Montreal, MORE Houses.
If you want a unique experience Solin Hall.
If you want to party hard everyday New Rez or Upper Rez (Molson has the best parties).
If you hate yourself - Carrefour Sherbrooke or The Mariott Courtyard. Living off campus as a commuter is actually preferable to living here. </p>
<p>Short version: Don't pick CS.</p>