My observation during 2001-2005
Peet Hall - A lot international and older students like the environment of closeness and privacy as well.
Ballard West - Freshmen dorm, what else do you want to say? Fire alarm, pranks, no privacy etc... Depend on crowd you hang out with.
Ballard North - lived there for 2 semester (read ballard west for details)
Benson Hall - lived there 1 semester. Mixed diversity and still have to use community bathroom to shower and etc...
Clerc Hall - Never lived here. Its known as party dorm and dominated by jocks and greeks. Nice suite with large family room with tiny bedrooms. Private shower and bathroom.
Carlin Hall - 2 years lived here, 4th floor. Suite with small foyer and nice size bedroom. Two singles and one large double bedroom with one shower and bathroom. But huge lobby outside of the suites. Plenty place to hang out. 1st -4th floor are designed for undergraduates while 5th-8th is for graduate students.
I did live off campus for 1 semester. Hated and moved back on campus. I enjoyed in dorm better than off campus.
That is my observation.