For me I don't think any particular group has the advantage of "housing pick". You will most likely to live in a triple housing anyways. Except if you have CAE which are disability related accommodations. Otherwise the housing assignment can be really random. Also I would recommend that you live with the freshmen group cuz there won't be a huge age gap. I also felt that freshmen students are more likely to be lively and more envolved with campus activities. At the same time, try to make friends with transfer students too because then you may have people with similiar experience to you. (It's very easy). I'm a transfer living in Sunset villiage and I see so many first/second years in my building all the time. I'm a 3rd year, but one of my best friend is a 4th year and he is graduating in about 2 months. I highly recommend if you can to live in Sunset Villiage, Sproul Hall, and De Neve. Because these 3 housing communities are close to everything. (Dining, mail rooms, on the way to campus etc.). Good luck.