<p>What is the difference? Which is better, and why? Please post personal experience; it will be very helpful.</p>
<p>I don’t think it should matter considering they randomly assign you to dorms so you don’t have power of choice. </p>
<p>But, I lived in a new dorm first year and I’d say everyone that lived in old dorms was jealous that we had nice study spaces, lounges, and elevators. To me, those benefits more than made up for the 5 extra minutes walk to class. The really only reason why old dorms would be better is just for the closer proximity to classes (which still isn’t much closer, probably only 5 minutes closer like I said earlier)</p>
<p>great post gouvawahoowa</p>
<p>You have no choice old vs new so it doesn’t really matter. The new dorms used to be suite style but now they are knocking them down and building them brand new again and they are all hall style.</p>
<p>Some people really like old dorms because their parents lived there and so they want to live there too. They don’t have air conditioning so I don’t get it.</p>
<p>While the new dorms are shiny and sparkly, old dorms have a historic charm in addition to a more central location. I honestly have no memories of air conditioning being an issue (I lived in Old Dorms for 2 years, 1 as RA), but admittedly many brain cells are gone in the last 25 odd years. People adapt with window fans. Renovations are coming, including air conditioning, but not soon enough for current applicants. As others have said, no sense worrying about it unless your college choice hinges on assurances of Ritz accommodations.</p>
<p>[The</a> Cavalier Daily :: Dillard, Gooch, McCormick Road dormitories to undergo renovations](<a href=“http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2013/11/dillard-gooch-mccormick-road-dormitories-renovations]The”>http://www.cavalierdaily.com/article/2013/11/dillard-gooch-mccormick-road-dormitories-renovations)</p>
<p>As pointed out, not something to worry about it, you don’t have a choice. The vast majority of students find something to embrace about their first year dorms and are happy. They all have something to offer, location, amenities, etc. </p>
<p>Hazel - Old Dorms is an interesting phenomenon. Some go in hesitantly (lack of space, no a/c), but I have yet to meet anyone that didn’t love their FYE there. S2 lived there, loved it, could not have imagined being anywhere else. He had friends in all other dorm areas. He didn’t find anything more appealing in any if them. I really had to resist the urge not to scrub that dorm every time I was there. It would not have made a difference. With no a/c the window was always open which let in bugs. He went through quite a bit of duct tape catching everything from stinkbugs to roaches. They even had a couple of bats on the hall which where taken care of with LAX sticks. It was a lot like summer camp…with engineering classes. ;)</p>
<p>I read that the U. is doing a study to try to add air conditioning to the old dorms, however, I can’t imagine it will be installed by the fall.</p>
<p>Charlie - From the link in post #4 above:
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<p>Thanks everyone!</p>