<p>Anyone considering living here? What are the advantages/disadvantages? I was thinking of applying here instead of living in the transfer dorms. It's more expensive, but a lot closer to campus and full of people closer to my own age (i.e., not freshmen). </p>
<p>Insight from anyone in/applying to the I-House appreciated, esp. if you're also American.</p>
<p>Gender neutral housing!!!</p>
<p>Advantages: “study abroad” without leaving the country, meet people from literally every corner of the earth, very easy to make (lifelong) friends, social life is pretty much set, very close to campus (and frats, co-ops), a cafe that serves beer in the building, beautiful architecture, a private library for studying, mix of upper division undergrads with post grads (masters & PhD) and post-docs - easy to find a mentor if you are looking at grad school, mix of student levels = greater peer pressure to do well in classes (but people do know when and how to party), opportunity to work as RA or other positions in 2nd and subsequent semesters to help pay for housing and have a single room, scholarships to cover cost of living.</p>
<p>Disadvantages: dining hall food is not great (but it has been improved and is a great ice breaking topic amongst residents), is more expensive than private housing - although I think the advantages make up for it, you’ll become close friends in your first semester with int’l students who are only here for that one semester, undergrads must share a twin room unless working as RA or can prove some kind of disability/health issue.</p>