safisher,
First off, congrats on your acceptance into Lafayette College! In response to your question...
Keefe - I currently live here. It is divided into living groups (small communities of people with common interests) and the entire building is substance-free. However, the "wellness" label does not stop people from drinking in their rooms on weekends with friends. Keefe is probably the quietest dorm which is great for studying, and has a large central commons area, kitchens, smaller lounges. Keefe was built in 1999, and is sweet living all-around! Larger rooms, A/C, and carpeting "seal the deal".
South - also has A/C, carpeting, and large rooms. South is known as the party dorm. It can get real roudy sometimes. Athletes tend to gravitate to South. Sweet lounges and kitchen areas on each floor. You have to move out during winter break and move back in for the spring semester (that sucks!) Most popular dorm on campus.
Easton - BIG rooms, but no A/C or carpeting. A bit far from the meat of campus, but a decent choice nonetheless!
McKeen - avoid...'nuff said. Close to Wa-Wa, but that's about it.
Gates - is now under renovation, and will probably be done by next year for you guys. Was a dump, but is undergoing a major facelift on the inside. Middle-sized room. Not the best choice I'd say.
Ruef - great floor dynamic, big rooms, no A/C or carpeting. Each roomie has a personal little walk-in closet area for changing. I still can't find my way around this building when visiting friends, but I'm sure you eventually get it!
Kirby House - for guys only, but is closed because it was built on a sink hole. It you are male you better be real comfortable with your own masculinity.
Marquis - all female dorm...don't choose it! I'm telling you from what my female friends tell me. They say that there is way too much estrogen in that building and that many of the girls are complete ******es. AVOID!
Fisher East/West, Rubin, Kamine - these are brand-new dorms that form the Sullivan Lane Complex. They are hot off the presses, so expect them to be in perfect condition! Rooms are a bit small, though, because they wanted to fit as many rooms in these buildings as possible. Also, the lounges are so small they might as well not be there. They are also located FAR off the center of campus. Bring your walking shoes!
Conway, PT Farinon - far from the center of campus as well, and a bit old and smelly. Fosters great first-year dynamic, though. You make great friends in these dorms.
Well, I hope my random thoughts help. For more info straight from the source, visit
http://ww2.lafayette.edu/~reslife/re...halls_grid.php. This webpage shows exact specifications for each dorm (some do not house freshman, though). Click on any of the links in the column to the left of the page for some more information.
Oh, I am in such a weird mood right now (can't you tell?) Maybe I'm just happy I made it throught the first week of the semester, or maybe I'm just crazy. You decide.
J
BTW, which dorm did you stay in overnight? Do you remember?