dlrow

My son is entering his freshman year at Brandeis, and we just learned that he has been placed in a single room in the North Quad. I am surprised to learn that single rooms even exist in a freshman dorm.

Can anyone let us know the pro's and con's of starting one's freshman year in a single room?

Are the single rooms a lot smaller than the double rooms?

Thanks,

sulsk

yes, singles are smaller, but if you divide a double room in half the single will be bigger. yes, there are singles in first-year halls. usually they go to sophomore students and first-years that requested them for personal reasons. your son is probably one of only a few first-years placed in a single without asking for it. honestly, i wouldn't sweat it too much. there are many kids in lofted triples that probably envy your son. the pro is obviously having your own room which will provide comfort and privacy. the con is you don't have the "typical college roommate situation," but because orientation at Deis is so strong and nearly all CAs (community advisors) do a great job of fostering community i highly, highly doubt your son will feel disconnected. another con is cost. living in a single is about $1200 more expensive for the entire year than living in a double (http://www.brandeis.edu/studentlife/...es20082009.pdf) if you really want your child to switch, i imagine if you call reslife they probably will be able to switch you with someone who may prefer a single to their double/triple. hope this info helps.

dlrow

Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

catperson247

I'll just add that my freshman year 2 years ago there were quite a few kids in singles on my hall as well as the hall 2 floors above me that I was also familiar with. Even though my class was unusually large , I remember hearing another freshman last year say she was randomly in a single, even though that class is smaller. I *think* this year is on par with last year, not entirely sure though - but anyways it seems depending on the size of the class, there's always some kids in singles. Your son is probably not the only one.