<p>Yates is the second largest Freshman dorm and is desirable for its A/C, though being the former dorm of Jon Stewart doesn’t hurt either, of course.</p>
<p>Yates does tend to be a big noisier than other Freshman dorms but I honestly believe some of that can be attributed to the dorm’s architecture. Yates is one straight hallway, only sectioned to Left, Right, and Center by two lounges per floor. But really, Yates <em>is</em> a large dorm and more people often means more noise. No one I know who lived in Yates ever seemed to complain too much about the noise. And if you’re more sensitive to that, you’ll adjust, I promise. College makes you very adaptable, from living with another person to using a hall bathroom (which are not bad at all).</p>
<p>Because Yates is near the frats, I’d say that more often than not the parties stay there. Why bring that back into a Freshman dorm and risk running into trouble? Yates is also right across from the Caf and a few minutes away from the Rec Center, making it a well-situated dorm. A trip to New Campus from Yates is but a 5 minute walk down a path leading from the left of Yates (if facing the Caf), and 8 minutes or so to Old Campus. Both walks are a bit longer if you’re going to either Morton or the Wren Building.</p>
<p>Yates residents also have a prime location for sporting events. You can practically roll out of bed and be at W&M Hall for basketball games and Zable Stadium is 5 or 6 minutes away. You can be outside Yates on game day and hear the commentator clearly! Going to sporting events is a great way that many Freshman make memories with their friends. Just in front of Yates is a large pitch of grass known as Yates Field were many students go to throw a frisbee, toss a football, roast marshmallows, or even just study outside on one of the picnic tables. A bunch of my dormmates and I played Capture the Flag and Tag there at 11:30pm last April and had a fantastic time.</p>
<p>No matter where you live, I guarantee you’ll make friends and have many enjoyable experiences. Because Yates is so large you’ll have an even greater opportunity to meet people from other halls and floors. Four friends of mine from Yates, whom were on two different halls became fantastic friends and are blocking together this coming year (living next door to each other, sharing a bathroom). </p>
<p>Hope I helped a bit 
Good luck with your first year, have fun, and welcome! Go Tribe!</p>