<p>I’m an incoming freshman that has been researching this heavily so I’ll tell you what I’ve been told by current students.</p>
<p>Cowell: known to have frat type parties, but is one of the more basic colleges, so might be good if you want to avoid people too far out there. Has a great view of the ocean, and is close to everything including the gym and bookstore.
College 8: apparently has a SoCal vibe to it, so you might like that. However, It’s known to have “high school type drama.” But I don’t think you’re going to find anyone “too out there.”
Crown: probably avoid this one. even though it has alot of engineering type majors, it’s mostly nerds and gamers, and no parties.
Merill: “sterile merill.” I’d avoid, in your case.
Oakes: far away from everything, not really any parties, I’d avoid.
Porter: Party college, but not the frat type. You might run into some people that are kinda out there, but I think Porter attracts every type of person because it just seems awesome. Apparently, there are frequent jam sessions in the quad, so you might like that if you play guitar.
College 9/10: don’t know much about them other than the fact they are the newest, have a large asian population, and a heavy drinking culture.
Kresge: all apartments, full blown hippies- might want to avoid in your case.
Stevenson: large jewish population, jocks, kind of similar to cowell. </p>
<p>If I were you, I’d go with Porter. </p>