<p>nemom, re dorms, it’s best for a parent not to overthink dorm placement. We don’t have input on that and we’re not a part of the process. Prefrosh complete an extensive survey (not quite like eHarmony.com, but not far off :D) for dorm placement and roommate matching, and they’re told explicitly not to complete the survey with us around because the student’s honest answers are key to the student’s happiness with his placement. From my son’s experience and what I hear overwhelmingly from other parents and Mudders, the system works very well with few exceptions. Students may not be ecstatic with their roommate/dorm placement, but they generally find the placement satisfactory at least.</p>
<p>After first year, they go through a complex, arcane process called Room Draw, which includes mock draws and extensive negotiating in (from what geek_son tells me) a friendly atmosphere with the goal of making sure everyone is pretty happy. The parents’ only part in this is to make sure the room deposit is paid on time so the Mudder doesn’t get the suckiest number by default.</p>