We visited UB and found the Gouvernors dorms very depressing. Do the on campus dorms/ apts become nicer and/or less depressing after freshman year?
Governors is the oldest dorm on campus, and the most convenient (closest to the academic spine). The design goal, with clusters of rooms and shared areas, was to encourage interaction among residents. Both of my kids found that it did exactly that. It is, however, of cinder block construction. Compared to the current fashion of spacious, comfy dorms, they aren’t nearly as appealing. I’m of the opinion that a dorm is a dorm, and my kids pretty quickly adopted that view and were quite happy there. But not everyone may share that view. It’s also where Honors College students are encouraged (but not required) to reside, and this also was a big plus for my kids - to be with other honors kids.
The alternative for freshmen is Ellicott, a much larger complex, with a more traditional straight-hall design. Not as conducive to interaction, but generally more spacious. Ellicott also has lots of sophomores, but the preferred location for sophomores is Greiner (no freshmen), which is much newer, and requires a lottery to get into. Greiner is a spiffy, “parent-appealing” place, with lots of amenities.
On campus apartments are not available till junior year. There are several different options. They’re just fine, and my one kid is very happy there. My other got an off campus apartment (complex right across the street) for sophomore year; a bit pricier, and quite nice. A fair number of kids go off-campus near South Campus. Lot’s of options there (houses, not complexes). They’re a mixed bag in terms of what you get; generally much cheaper, though certainly not as convenient to North Campus.
Thank you so much! Your description really helps.