I had two good years in Towers (before they went to singles
and then Kaboom!), and a year in Old RCA (
Birch-Welch-Roberts, etc). I would tell anyone to go to BWR for the most classic college dorm set up - the internal buildings, courtyards, central field, prime for meeting neighbors, not as far away as MWL. Even if "engineering classes are closer to Friley", that is less true in first years as the basic classes are spread out.
Dorms are a great way to be open to "what might happen" and "who you might meet", instead of HS buddies right away in an apartment. Good for spontaneous interaction, easier for intramurals, easier to make it to class vs skipping due to bus rides, etc. Wait a few years, get established, then enjoy off campus.
One caveat, if you think he wouldn't appreciate the aesthetic advantages of BWR (pretty walk from Union to the arches, nice brick buildings, courtyards, smaller scale everything, including dining) vs the utilitarian advantages of Friley, then leave Old RCA for someone who would