How is CPW so far? Prefrosh share their thoughts
Interviews compiled by Derek Chang.
Photography by Jaswanth Madhavan.
Hundreds and hundreds of prefrosh have descended upon campus this weekend for CPW. The Tech had a chance to chat with sixteen ’16s about their experience at MIT so far — from architecture to ice cream.
Kath Xu
Bethesda, Maryland
Bioengineering
What CPW events have you attended or plan to attend?
I played mafia in Random Hall and got to try liquid nitrogen ice cream. I’m definitely planning to go to the Meet the Bloggers event. And of course, I’ve had a lot of food!
Has there been anything interesting on campus that caught your eye? I’m a big fan of puns, and I’ve seen a lot of funny ones in the hallway. I love how there are flyers posted everywhere, it makes it seem like there is so much going on.
Shannon Julian
Edison, New Jersey
Linguistics
What do you like about MIT so far? People have been really nice and down-to-earth. They’ve been collaborative and always willing to help me and talk about their MIT experiences.
What have you done on campus so far? I attended a reunion for the Women’s Technology Program, a summer program at MIT, and I’ve tried liquid nitrogen ice cream. I really want to go to the “Physics Until We Die” class at midnight.
Eric Metodiev
Long Island, New York
Mathematics or Physics
What has been your impression of MIT so far? I’m living in East Campus, and it’s been an interesting experience. The campus is architecturally varied, there are lots of cool concrete structures and sophisticated architecture, and it’s awesome to see the dome in person.
What activities have you done on campus so far? I’ve been getting food continually thrusted into my hands, it’s quite the experience. I’ve met many people this way and it’s a great ice-breaker. So far, I’ve taken a tour of East Campus and played mafia at Random.
Rachel Wang
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Engineering
What CPW events have you attended so far? I recently finished a Next House dinner, and I got to try liquid nitrogen ice cream. I’ve done a lot of walking, including around the river. It’s beautiful there!
Is there anything bizarre on campus that caught your eye? The rubber duck pond and ball pit in Simmons. The Simmons architecture really got my attention.
Madeline Cooper
Ashland, Massachusetts
Bioengineering
Where are you staying, and how do you like it so far? Baker. I’ve only been there for five minutes, so I still need to explore it, but I’m looking forward to going back!
What do you like about MIT so far? I like how friendly everybody is, and I really enjoy the MIT energy and vibe.
Julia Chen
West Covina, California
Undecided
What have you done at CPW so far? I got to try liquid nitrogen ice cream and did some cooking. I also got to visit Random Hall.
What has been your impression of MIT dorm culture so far? I really like the dorm culture. I’m staying in Burton-Conner right now, and I love how there are always activities organized.
Eric Johnson
Green Bay, Wisconsin
Mechanical Engineering
Where are you staying, and how do you like it so far? Simmons. I’m really liking the interesting halls, furniture, and rooms.
What is the most bizarre thing you have noticed on campus? The acrobatics hack in Lobby 7 really got my attention.
Isabella Sanders
Long Island, New York
Mathematics or Computer Science
Are there any activities you plan to be involved in if you come to school here? I really want to join crew and get involved with Christian organizations on campus.
What have you done at CPW so far? I’ve gotten to explore Random Hall, and got to have breakfast at Zeta Beta Tau.
Alice Wang
Columbus, Ohio
Biology, Premed
If you decide to attend MIT, are there activities you’d want to join? I’m not too sure, but I’m interested in playing for the orchestra.
Where are you staying right now, and how do you like it? I’m staying at iHouse, and I’m really enjoying it. But I really need to plan my time because there’s a million activities happening at the same time.
Mariana Ballina
Irvine, California
Architecture
What has been your impression of MIT so far? I haven’t seen anything on campus I don’t like yet. I’ve really enjoyed everything so far!
If you decide to attend MIT, are there activities you’d like to join? I’m interested in joining sailing or the MIT Outing Club.
David Lopes
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Aeronautics and Astronautics
How have you enjoyed your time at MIT? I just got here, so I can’t say much yet. But I’ve been here before and really liked the campus.
What activities are you hoping to be involved in if you attend? I might want to do research on campus in UROPs.
Raul Madera
Tappan, New York
Bioengineering
Where are you staying, and how do you enjoy it? I’m staying at Phi Sig, and I really like it. The people are hospitable and friendly, and make me want to come even more. It’s the first day and I’m lost getting to events on time, but with every day I’m sure I will get the hang of things.
Are there activities you are hoping to do if you attend? I really want to do track and field while in college.
Lawrence Chen
Tappan, New York
Bioengineering
Where are you staying, and how do you enjoy it? Baker — I really like it so far. The people have been answering all of our questions and helping me with everything I’ve asked about. So far, my favorite part of MIT is the people.
What activities do you hope to do while in college? I’m hoping to be on the football and wrestling teams.
Andre Aboulian
La Crescenta, California
Electrical Engineering & Computer Science
What are you looking forward to doing during CPW? Going to classes! I’m hoping to get an idea of how classes are at MIT. I also want to try the liquid nitrogen ice cream.
Samantha Harper
La Canada, California
Environmental Engineering
What are you hoping to do while at CPW? I want to attend classes because they allow me to see if MIT is a good fit. I want to be comfortable committing here.
Nikhita Poole
La Canada, California
Brain & Cognitive Sciences
What are your plans for CPW? I really want to visit classes and get a chance to talk to the students. I’ve just gotten on campus so I haven’t seen much yet.