kukucachoo

I'm deciding between allison and CRC as top choices, but they're each such different experiences since Allison is the regular dorm while CRC is the way smaller residential college.

Which is overall better for the first year: allison-type or residential?

also, is it possible to join RCs after the first year?

Jarn

For which is better, it depends a lot on the person. In more traditional dorms, you know more people spread out from across campus but are much less familiar with the people in your dorm. In most residential colleges, you'll know everybody in your dorm and your friends are much more likely to be people in your dorm rather than from other dorms.

And yes, it's possible to join after the first year.

suppasonic

I always say go for the bigger dorm. It just gives you the chance to meet more people and have more experiences. There's no reason to hinder yourself in a small RC when you can still form intimate groups of friends in any dorm.