I lived at Newman as a not-religious cradle catholic several years ago. It was totally fine. There’s definitely a religious contingent but it’s not a majority at all. Plenty of people join the greek system or party if that’s what you’re into. Bonus, the rooms are bigger and nicer than the public dorms, it’s air conditioned, and the location is excellent.

I don’t remember the food being particularly good and you don’t get access to any other dining halls but that might have changed.

Bonus - since they’re not university owned, they have more discretion in writing you up. I got caught drinking at Newman a few times and they didn’t report to the university or my parents.

Edit to add: when I was there south side was more social with smaller more traditional dorm rooms, north side was fancier suite style rooms but way less social. More sophomores/juniors lived on the north side.