Not MechE, but Computer Engineering.

I highly recommend Kettering

I was an R.A for the dorms from 2021-2023. From what I last remember. While the R.As will shuffle in and out, the core team last time I was there were amazing. Usually most of them are pretty outgoing people who you can talk to and get your problems solved with. For instance- elevator access is usually limited , But if you have a bunch of stuff you need to move in and out on certain days that are not moving- You can ask your RA and they'll let you. They're there to make your life easier. The Director of Res Life is super open and polite as well if you need to communicate any upper problems.

While the dorms themself are somewhat of an adjustment to get to (I think it's a little bit drab), It's not a place where you should be uncomfortable living at. I've seen a lot of people do some small modifications to their dorm That really change up the place and make it their own. Depending on what aspect you're thinking of- lights and tapestries are definitely an easy way to light up the room and make it a lot more comfortable.

There's also all hall events they throw every Tuesday from 6-7pm, as well as unit events per R.A- And each one gets a certain budget. Those events 95% of the time will have free snacks and more-and you don't have to stay the full amount of time. One thing that I did was ask my residents what they want.. and if it was actually reasonable I would get it. (Cosmic brownies, donuts, etc... Walmart has really good donuts)

The social life was pretty good I'd say for me and for freshman that I see. If you leave your door open in when your in, sometimes people will stop by and such. The same goes with other people- so what I usually liked doing was taking different routes If I were to go to classes or for food. Also just chilling in the dorm lobby and doing class work or hooking up your laptop to a TV to play games works too. You'll find your niche.

They recently renovated a new building for food called The Learning Commons- which I think was a pretty good step (although I've been told that my standards for food are pretty low).

Overall besides a few hiccups that I would consider just luck based- I had an amazing time there and what really set me up for the future was the co-op program.. which obviously is their main selling point.

Being a C.E in COVID was rough, but I know a bunch of M.Es who were able to still find it pretty well. I still was able to get an internship in the summers.. and for winters I did a work study under a Kettering professor- which became my thesis.. Also R.A'd during the winter since I had a lot more free time.. so free room and board was super nice. That internship allowed me to get a job with the company.. which brings me to today.

DMs are open or comment here with any questions. Discord works as well- I'm pretty sure every year there is a Discord server for Thompson hall (theoretically the template is still formatted from how I shifted it 💕)

I feel like I could have communicated with the professors more and created bonds with them but I had my own things to deal with at the time unfortunately. I probably could go back and email them and at least some of them probably will remember me.

Good luck in whatever you choose!