<p>I'm going to UW-Madison next year and I don't really know which hall I want to live in. I definitely want to live in the Southeast. My top choices were originally Ogg, Smith, and Sellery or Witte (in that order), but now I'm not so sure. I've heard that Ogg and Smith have mostly older students, so it's better to live in Witte or Sellery since no one knows each other (since it's basically all freshmen). On the other hand, Ogg and Smith have bigger rooms and less people per bathroom which is a huge plus because I'm not a fan of communal bathrooms and tiny dorms. I've also heard that Sellery and Witte are too noisy and there are parties there like 24/7. I'm a serious student but I'm definitely planning on partying on the weekends, but I don't know how I feel about living somewhere where there are parties ALL the time. At the same time, it would be more fun to live with all freshmen, because I think I could meet more people, since no one would really have their own group of friends yet.</p>
<p>Go to UW area and see many discussions on dorms. No dorm has parties all the time or even most of the time. They all have study hours and generally you have to be quiet with alcohol if under 21 so parties are out. Most UW parties are in private homes and apts near campus–not on campus.</p>
<p>barrons: I’ve read one or two of your posts about dorm choices and have been impressed with your insights. My son will be attending UW Madison in the fall and is in the midst of finalizing dorm selections which I think have to be done by today or tomorrow. He is a serious and excellent student who also wants to socialize and have fun. I have a real preference that he choose Chadbourne or Bradley for the community, connections and inquiry but he is concerned that they may too insular and may get stigmatized as square. I know it is ultimately his choice. Can you speak to the difference between Chadbourne and Bradley and address his concerns about RLCs. And, I’d like to hear more about your experience with how students fare comparatively that are part of the RLCs vs. those that are not. Thanks very much.</p>
<p>I visited UW last weekend. It looks like there are too many cops there that any partying in dorms will be done. So I dont think you should be worried.
Otherwise, there are libraries everywhere!</p>
<p>Bradley is smaller and freshmen only but located farther from central campus. The only issue I can see with learning communities is if you are the anti-social loner type.</p>
<p>How would you compare Chadbourne and Bradley in terms of reputation, culture, size and student fit? Thanks.</p>
<p>Chad is much larger. Other than that pretty similar. Both attract a good mix of high-focus students with many majors.</p>