<p>So I was just accepted ED to Penn and am now exploring housing options. I'm a little lost to be honest. Does practically everyone do a residential program? I'm not sure I really want to do one. First of all, I'm sick of essays! But also I just really want a typical freshman experience where I can meet my own friends and not be forced to be with the same people day in and day out. Also I'm not crazy about any of the themes and being forced to go by their structure. So I guess my question is, will I be an outcast if I don't do a res program? Can I just apply to live in a building without doing a theme?</p>
<p>Also I'm looking for input as to which building are the best. I was thinking of ranking the three quad buildings and then hill. I figure those would give me the best freshman experience (hill is last bc I would prefer AC!). Does that sound like a good plan? Anyone have any suggestions as to which quad building is best? If it helps, I'm a communications major.</p>
<p>Most residential programs are basically there in name only. Nobody actually cares, and they only apply because it may give them another opportunity to get a spot in the quad. (Note that I’m just as cynical about residential programs as you.)</p>
<p>They’re by no means necessary to apply for; I didn’t, and I still lived in the quad my freshman year. The vast majority of students in college houses don’t live in residential programs.</p>
<p>I would recommend the Riepe mentors program. The faculty mentor is great and you get to volunteer at a school in west philadelphia. This particular school is especially struggling so it is a great learning experience as well as a great way to destress during exams and realize how fortunate you are to be going to Penn.</p>
<p>I’d go with Riepe. Based on hanging out with my friends in the various quad buildings freshman year, Riepe has the best rooms. Also, the baby quad (a secluded section of the quad that comprises something like half of Riepe) is straight up gorgeous.</p>
<p>^^ Keep in mind that the Quad is actually comprised of 39 (if memory serves) separate named dorms that are essentially interconnected, but were built in somewhat varying styles over a 60-year period from 1895 to 1954 or so. And these 39 are divided among the three Quad college houses (Fisher Hassenfeld, Ware, and Riepe). So although you’ll apply or be assigned to one of the three college houses (or one of the residential programs within a college house), you’ll actually be assigned to one of the named dorms within one of the college houses. And the individual dorms–and the shape and style of the rooms therein–can vary within a college house. So, e.g., not all of the dorms and rooms in Riepe are the same, which also applies to Ware and Fisher Hassenfeld. But that’s part of what makes the Quad so fun and unique! :)</p>
<p>@kayyyy Congrats on your acceptance. My d really enjoys living on the quad. She opted not to do a residential program. Her floor is co-ed and they are a pretty close knit group. They have dinners off campus together and they celebrate birthdays. The cafeteria, laundry and mailroom are all right there- convenient. Her room is very small but she and her roommate don’t mind it.</p>