<p>I've heard that Grinnell has some sub-free housing, but that it either isn't taken seriously or is looked down upon. Can anyone who is a current student comment on whether that is true or not? I'm not naive, I know that plenty of drinking takes place on college campuses, but some colleges have a nice oasis for those that want to quickly find like-minded friends.
Thanks.</p>
<p>I am currently in a sub-free dorm and I was pretty lucky to get a spot in one. I heard that there were many who tried but couldn't get into sub-free so don't worry about being looked down upon. The student who choose sub-free do for a reason, so while you may see a few drunks, people respect the fact that we chose sub-free. As for the atmosphere, the lounge of my dorm is the perfect place to study but if you want to party a bit (drinking not required) just go next door.</p>
<p>Sub-free housing everywhere is a mixed bag. Lots of times it's the parents who sign the kids up -- so compliance isn't always 100%. At Grinnell, there's more demand than supply and, because it's hard to get, I think they take it a little more seriously.</p>
<p>My son and his roommate are not in a sub-free dorm, but they believe the floor they are on might be overflow from the kids who requested and didn't get sub-free. I'm hearing no complaints so far about wild partying. We visit this WE, so maybe I'll get a better sense.</p>
<p>haha. I was just in haruki360's room 2 mins ago. Anyways, I live in a sub free dorm too and its certainly pretty peaceful and comfortable environment to study in (especially if you're used to studying in your own dorm room and not the library)
However, I do sometimes feel that I'm being judged for choosing to live in a subfree dorm. I'm not the least bit bothered but some freshmen move into non sub free housing in sophomore year because they cave in to social insecurity.
I heard that they're planning on adding another sub free dorm next year because too many people are asking for sub free dorms nowadays and the students that "genuinely" wanted to live in one and didn't get to.</p>
<p>I applied for sub-free, didn't get it. I'm in the party dorm, but I've never been so bothered that I couldn't sleep. There are plenty of sub-free people and sub-free activities on weekend, so don't worry about that too much.</p>
<p>Ok we visited and the kids are up most of the night --on the weekend--, but they seem to be having a great time and are on the same page--not wildly partying but happily hanging out. We are good with this.</p>
<p>My very picky and definitely not into substances daughter was lucky her freshman year and got into substance free housing. Her experience was that it worked well...it was very quiet. This year she opted to live in a house which is not sub free but even there they have agreed on limits to partying which I believe has worked well (she is not one to stay silent if upset!) At Grinnell students seem to be very respectful of each others differences and needs. I don't know if that is true in every dorm but that was her experience.</p>