My freshman dorm was BSB and I wouldn't have had it any other way. Great location and it was much easier to socialize with my floor than the triples. I spend a year in Blum as well and felt pretty isolated in one of the corners.
There are a couple of writing english classes but they are not difficult. (Try getting Rebecca Dyer or Dr House.)
I can't comment on the robotics as I didn't look into it myself.
I got my laptop in 08 and was able to game with it for 6 years. It easily handled max resolution I just had to turn the other graphics down a bit. I loved the laptop.
I loved the amount of clubs at Rose. My advice to you is pick a couple clubs and attend them regularly. And just because you didn't join a club Freshman year doesn't mean you can't start attending whenever. And be prepared to meet geniuses and nut jobs alike.
And for a final tidbit. USE RATE MY PROFESSOR. Taking a class with a professor that you can't synergize with can really hurt.
Just get one that says they don't log activity. I use ProXPN, it isn't too fast but I got it for around $40 for a lifetime membership on sale. Tunnelbear might also be good, but I haven't looked into it much.