shelross

What are the best dorms at denison for a freshman, and what about the language/culture housing? Thanks

cn173

I would recommend requesting to live in either Smith or Shorney. Most of the freshman class lives in these two buildings and both have been renovated very recently, although Shorney is very big (~250-300) and you might find it loud.

I think Kappa Sigma is the language and culture house. It's on north quad (one of the former fraternity houses). I know some people who live there, and they seem to like it. The only problem is that it's kind of far from everything, like the dining halls, the academic buildings, the library, the student union, etc. It is maybe 6 or 7 minute hilly walk to the central part of campus. You may find that you're isolated from most of the class, although there are several freshman houses on North Quad.

Whistle Pig

cn173 offers sound advice, imo. Shorney/Smith are close to the quad, near dining, and really in the hub of it all. And there are loads of frosh there. While smaller can be good, given one's druthers, you might prefer to stay in the midst of your class mass. Pick and choose after that. Remember, isolation is THE major cause among transfers, i.e. students who even though they may never say so, feel alone. Sometimes, often in fact, that is self-imposed ...going home to see the old girl or beau, allowing the normal homesickness to escalate and isolate, being unable to sever the ol' HS ties being deluded that the homecoming event is just dying for one's presence and that ALL the old gang will be there, trying to hold onto what was instead of reaching for what lies ahead, etc. Those who make lots of friends, connections, acquaintances ...almost always stay. And this can be particularly important @ a Denison type campus that places huge value on the residential community experience.

Erin's Dad

DD1 was in Beta house on North Quad. She lost some weight from walking all the hills but really bonded with people in her dorm. At the time it was for entering honors students. I'm not sure if that's still the case.

Lewis1212

I can put in a plug for the dorms on the opposite side of campus from Smith & Shorney. My DD resided in East her first year, primarily because she was an athlete and the East dorms were recommended because they are right above the athletic fields/pool. Although it was a first-year only dorm, its not as big as Shorney and the East side isn't quite as dominated by freshmen, so she met many upperclassmen. Noise adjustment and trying to get enough sleep were major adjustment issues for her the first year, and she was very glad she wasn't in Shorney for that reason. I've found the dorms at Denison overall to be one of their biggest weaknesses, especially compared to what other schools are now offering.

JASMac

With six days to spare, D has finally made her decision and will attend Denison. Thanks for the tips about dorm requests. Are the dorm requests typically honored? When S (an athlete) was entering Emory, the Coach made the dorm decision.

portland

Go with Smith and Shorney because Freshmen live there and Sophmores in Curtis. I lived far away from everyone and was isolated and had trouble meeting people which sucked. Avoid Kappa Sigma like the plague. Avoid the North Quad. You''ll like the North Quad If you want to bond with a small group of kids. If you want to meet many kids then go with Smith/Shorney.

If you live in East then you will meet many upperclassmen and probably party a lot with them.

NEValu

portland, how long ago did you graduate from Denison? Would you share with us what your major was?
thanks

portland

I graduated sometime within the past 10 years. My major was a liberal arts one.

Whistle Pig

Yo portland ...are you misreading the question? I don't think anyone gives a rat's hinie about your identity. Perhaps they're trying to put your opinions and observations into a time frame to assess their currency and credibility. 10 years can be an eternity on a college campus, especially with all going on @ DU.