<p>All freshmen basically live in North or Massell Quad, which each have 4 dorms. Unless they have changed the system, which I doubt, there is no way to pick a preference for either one on the housing form. That said, there really is no big difference between them. I don’t think either of them has air conditioning. The difference is really just location, one is closer to Sherman, which is all-you can-eat and has a kosher side, the other is closer to Usdan, which is buffet style.
Massell is closer to the Shapiro Campus Center and the commuter rail and a few shops around there and the Science classes, North is closer to the humanities and social science classes. One of the main differences within both dorms is their state of renovation or whether the floors are single-sex or not. I think in Massell all except one of the larger dorms are renovaed, in North at least 2 have been renovated. One of the buildings in North, I think it’s Sheffress, doesn’t have laundry rooms in the building, so you have to walk across to another building. The non-renovated dorms aren’t really that bad though. I lived in Usen in Massell before it was renovated and it was fine.
The other difference, which you can choose, is single-sex floors or mixed floors. That depends on your own preference. I picked single-sex my freshmen year and I think it was a good choice because I think it led to sort of a nice community for that first year, but I think the majority of people actually prefer mixed for whatever reason. I lived on a mixed floor sophomore year and it was fine too.
And then there are lofted triples which you don’t really have a choice either. Those are doubles that have been converted to triples because of the number of students, so they have one lofted bed usually and one regular one. I lived in a double so I can’t say what that’s like, although I know people who did and I think it really depends on each individual situation as to how it works out.
I wouldn’t worry about first-year housing too much though. Really most people I know were basically satisfied with their first-year living situation, aside from the unavoidable isssues you’re always going to have if you’re living with another person.
Oh…and the earlier you send in your deposit, the more likely you are to get your choice and not to be in a lofted triple.</p>