Q: I applied for the Co-ops and in case I get accepted I wanted to know what the studying and partying atmosphere will be like there. I don't want to fall back on grades but I want to still have fun, also what is the best co-op to live in?
The Answer
Hi Jose,
My friend Annie who's lived in the co-ops said this:
"While co-ops can be a great alternative to the dorms, they're not for everyone. There is no "typical co-op"; they vary from quiet and studious to loud and rowdy. However a good rule of thumb is, the smaller the house, the calmer it is. The best thing to do is visit the co-op where you are accepted to see what you think. Go to that house during the day
(10am-8pmish) and ask if anyone is free to give you a tour. It should last 30 min. or less and will give you a chance to ask your important questions. If you're worried about partying, ask things like "How many times per semester do you throw parties?", and "Is it quiet enough to study in the house?" or "What is the house usually like on a Friday or Saturday night?". The answers should help you decide if the co-op is right for you. You can also ask if you can come to dinner sometime, that will give you a chance to see the community there and its "house culture".
If you decide it's not the right house, but want to try another, read your contract to learn about your options. You may be able to go on a waiting list for another house without any obligation to accept your transfer.
While the "best" co-op is a very objective question, many co-opers say the houses with the best balance of sociability, cleanliness, and studiousness are Ridge, Davis and Kingman. For a more complete answer, check out the BSC's website at http://.bsc.coop."
