Extracurriculars, by contrast, were easier to choose because they held introductory meetings and did one-on-one communication, says William B. Lea '04.

"They were upfront," he says. "They told you what it was about."

The most basic details were sometimes the most startling. Susan says she had filled out her shopping list only to realize later that brackets in Courses of Instruction meant the classes weren't offered.

They say they use and trust their proctor but most often turn to students in the upper grades for advice. Some rely on siblings, others on leaders from the outdoor or urban programs, others on team captains.

"I've sort of formed my upperclassman network," Sarah says.

There's always the Unofficial Guide, she says, but "sometimes you want to talk to a person."

'There's a Huge Sense of Randomness'

Leila returns to Weld 42 after a Sunday afternoon of shopping. As her roommates look on, she shows off the tall black boots she bought and the decorative aluminum plates she got for her room.