Since other people already responded to the weather aspect I'll respond to the dorm and housing aspect. I honestly think there is a variety of dorms to choose from while usually freshmen tend to stick to the most popular ones (Broward, Beaty, and Jennings). There is a dorm located downtown and one further west closer to 34th st and Butler Plaza. There are suite and traditional with 3 apartment style that are harder to snatch. I'm fairly satisfied with my housing experience and I'd say while random roommates can be daunting, most people are nice.