<p>I and my friend wanted to room up in the ISR dorm; however the ISR dorm was full, so my friend was moved to FAR dorm. We tried mailing the housing office, and they said that they can put us both in Substance Free (Snyder Hall). Is Substance Free (Snyder Hall) a good choice for engineering students? How is it compared to ISR and FAR? Is it far from the engineering building? If it is far, is it convenient to use the bus? If I and my friend dont get to stay together, do you suggest private housing?</p>
<p>There seems to be some mantra about ISR that has developed as if it is a preferred and better hall than others. Yes, a lot engineering students stay there because it is closest to the the engineering quad of all the dorms. However. ISR has smaller rooms than others, old heating/air units that can be noisy and and sometimes smelly, and it really is not one of the better dorms on campus, although it is more than adequate. Snyder has larger rooms, is within reasonable walking distance of the main quad and the eng quad, and, as far as overall condition, is better than ISR. So Snyder as a choice would be fine as long as you accept the substance free rule and understand that a lot of freshman have "chosen" that hall because they have parents who have insisted that they choose the substance free hall. FAR is also a decent hall but with rooms close in size to ISR. It also lives up to its name by being the farthest away of any of the halls from the main and engineering quad. The bus transportation throughout campus is very good.</p>
<p>Forgive me for intruding but uh...</p>
<p>"Substance Free".... there isnt that much "legal Substances" you can have in your dorm...</p>
<p>I dont get the term really... all that pops into my mind is cigarettes.</p>
<p>Smoking is not allowed in any of the dorms. With the substance free hall, you personally commit to not having any drugs or alcohol. Regardless of legality, things do happen in other halls. With the substance free agreement, it is far less likely to happen in Snyder because its occupants have agreed to prohibit it.</p>
<p>Substance free only means that your RAs will be less tolerant of anyone trying to bend the rules. The dorm tends to be quieter and has less alcohol-related incidents ie puke in the sinks/showers.</p>
<p>Snyder is a hike from the engineering quad. Learn the bus routes.</p>