<p>cwryan,
Are there dorms open in the South that are not for Honors kids? Anyone else with opinions about where an undecided major freshman (woman) should live? I am put off by the total party atmosphere in the East, as mentioned above, or has this been exaggerated? Also, is it possible to visit the different dorms before attending?
Thanks.</p>
<p>I live in Simmons Hall in south and though I am in the honors college, there are many in the honors dorms that are not. I am not a fan of the party scene or the drinking and Simmons has been a perfect fit for me. East’s reputation is not exaggerated in my opinion…at least some of the dorms are not exaggerated. It is possible to visit the dorms beforehand, as far as I know. I saw them on a visit through Schreyer, but I’m sure there are others as well.</p>
<p>so is East a huge party dorm? like everywhere there are parties? haha which halls in particular in east are big party dorms? all of them?</p>
<p>Ugh, this is making me nervous. My son was accepted to PS main, and I’d heard it was a huge, constant party atmosphere. Is this true of the east section? He’s also waiting to hear from other schools so can’t put in an early deposit for housing preference. He wants to have fun, but I’d rather not have debauchery 24/7 (no offense).</p>
<p>Jolynne, I believe you can get a deposit refunded if you decide on another school. You might also take a look at some of the SLOs, which would guarantee housing in a quieter dorm.</p>
<p>No, the dorms at Penn State do not have a “constant party” atmosphere. During the week, most people are dealing with classes. Come Thurs and the weekend their will be more parties going on but there are places to go on campus that have “dry” activities planned.</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree…the party atmosphere isn’t everywhere, but the problem with East is that it’s 10,000 freshman in a concentrated area full of close contact and many are itching to do whatever they want, and alas, partying ensues. I’m sure it’s different in every hall, and every floor…I’m just thinking of the ones I’ve been to. I have a ton of friends in East…some love it, some hate it. Depends on what you’re looking for. To each his/her own! =)</p>
<p>The party atmosphere is much more prevalent in East than in other areas. And it isn’t just partying, but noise in general. Our S is in East, and there’s constantly lots of noise, even at 3 a.m on weekdays. We were kind of surprised that there seems to be no enforcement of rules regarding noise. (This may vary by specific halls/floors, though.) But of course there are plenty of non-partyers in east, too, so you can find other things to do besides partying, if you try. </p>
<p>As others have said, it really depends on what you (or your son/daughter) are looking for. Some people really like the noise/activity level of East, while others hate it. Our S was in South for his first semester, and he liked it a lot better than East. Yet I’m sure there are other students who might consider South too quiet. </p>
<p>My advice: if you really don’t want East, submit your housing deposit/preferences as early as possible to increase your odds of getting your first choice.</p>
<p>S lived in Pollock freshman and sophomore years and I was surprised that his dorm was as quiet as it was…even on Saturday nights. Guess everyone was visiting friends in East (lol).</p>
<p>Thanks for that input. I’ll ask son what he wants! Would be great if the housing deposit were refunded. 1moremom–could I ask–what are SLOs?</p>
<p>Looked through the housing contract w my daughter. “Legally binding” sounded serious. Does this mean that if contract is signed that we are bound to full year rate? If so I would think that any other schools must be “off the table” and my daughter is def going to PSU. I already sent the $300. IS this correct?</p>
<p>From the Penn Sate Website. I believe they allow first year students to cancel without penalty (except loss of Housing Deposit).</p>
<p>What are the Conditions for Canceling My Contract?
First-Year Students: If you anticipate canceling your admission to Penn State University Park, you must inform the Admissions Office of your intent. </p>
<p>Send your cancellation request letter to:
The Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802-1276 </p>
<p>Upperclass Students: Cancellation requests will be considered on an individual basis for students with extenuating circumstances only. See the Terms, Conditions, and Regulations for further information. </p>
<p>Send your cancellation request letter to:
The Assignment Office for Campus Residences
The Pennsylvania State University
101 Shields Building
University Park PA 16802-1276</p>
<p>Thanks much for the info on dorms, ‘party atmosphere,’ etc!</p>
<p>Jolynne,
[Housing:</a> Undergraduates](<a href=“Home Page | LiveOn”>Home Page | LiveOn)
-1mm</p>
<p>I’m also feeling nervous about the dorm selection for my son. I want him to be with other freshman to get acclimated, but I’m not looking for him to live in a circus atmosphere because I’m quite sure that he’ll have no problem finding the parties in East without even living there. Do you think that Pollock is a good compromise? Are there enough freshman there to meet friends, etc.? First I’m frantic about the acceptance, now that he’s in, I’m worried about the best environment. Somebody put me out of my misery!!!</p>
<p>There are alot of freshmen in Pollock. There is also a good # of upperclassmen so its a little more calm then east. It is also close enough to east to visit friends there. </p>
<p>If it were me choosing my dorm all over again, I would have gone for Pollock for its location/people that live there or North becasue of the nice dorms and its close to the big lecture halls.</p>
<p>I personally think south/polluck is the best as far as being the overall package…they have a great central location to downtown and campus, are right next to Redifer which is like the equivalent of the best mall food court in the world, are not too loud, but not too quiet…and they give you and opportunity to mix with upperclassmen. As cwryan pointed out, they are also close enough to east that it’s easy to visit.</p>
<p>Cryan…thanks for the input. I think I’m going to have him put Pollock as first choice although I understand they often just put the freshman in East anyway.</p>
<p>i think i’m going the business SLO at north dorms :D</p>
<p>My D signed up tonight for Discover House, one of the SLO’s. Discover House is in Pollack but it’s first year students only.</p>