Looking for recommendation on living/learning communities

I am set to join Iowa State as a freshman next year majoring in Civil Engineering. Can someone provide some advice on if the living and learning communities are the way to go? I want to meet a lot of new people, try new clubs, but also want to ensure that I find the right balance with my studies/academics and social life. I am not interested in Greek life.

As a female engineer, I do not see a general engineering or civil engineering residential living community. I am used to having more male friends, so I am not sure that I will be most happy on the WiSE floor, and although I would qualify, not sure I want to pursue the first year honors program.
Can anyone provide their experience, and recommendation on the learning communities, and first year honors program, what you found beneficial and what, if anything was not worth it? What were the expectations and time commitment of each?

TIA