The Suites are by far the nicest dorms on campus, but everything isn’t always as it seems. While living in a brand new building has its perks, it also has its problems.

If you are looking into living on campus next year, or are looking into moving into a different building next semester, you probably want to know what it’s like living in The Suites.

You’re in luck, because that’s exactly what I am going to tell you.

Let’s start with the basic room layout. There are the double-doubles or the quad singles.

Double-doubles are like your standard dorm at UW-Eau Claire: two people share a room, but in contrast, you have four people per suite, so there are two of these rooms. In the quad singles, each person gets their own, smaller room. I live in the singles and I love having the privacy of my own room.

Each suite also has separate rooms for toilet and shower, which is a genius idea. An extra sink and mirror are located in the hallway of each suite.

Additionally, each floor has a kitchen and lounge area, equipped with a full-size fridge, a sink, microwave and an oven.

As far as what I think about the dorm, well, I’m torn over this dorm versus an apartment-style, and here’s why.

Wi-Fi and cell service are the biggest issues I have had in this building. Wi-Fi disconnects happen at the most random times, whether it’s 8 p.m. at prime homework time, or four in the morning when I, for some reason, haven’t gone to bed yet.

I would also say good luck trying to make a phone call in your room because I have to stand in my tiny window just to make a call.

(The hall director has sent an email that these issues are being looked into.)

The kitchen is a great idea in principle, but in practice, I find it to be almost pointless. Maybe deep down I just have trust issues, but how can I expect that if I leave pizza rolls in the freezer for a couple of days, that they will not be eaten before I get the chance? The kitchen is a welcome resource nonetheless.

Sheridan Larson, a second-year elementary and special education major, brought up another valid point. There is currently only one drinking fountain in the whole building.

“I think there should be one on every floor,” Larson said.

The rooms also have no real common space. Having friends over for a movie night in a single is a difficult thing to pull off, depending on how you have your room set up.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like living here. It’s so close to Hilltop and Crest Wellness Center, not to mention it is cheaper to live here than in off-campus apartments.

Chancellors just has this place beat because of the kitchen and extra living space, Chloe Smith, a second-year English student, said. Smith said she plans on living in Chancellors next year.

“I want to be able to cook my own meals and have friends come over and hang out,” Smith said.

I, by no means, am telling you to not live here because ultimately it is up to preference. I do agree with Smith: the kitchen and living space are things I sorely wish I had. It’s just a personal preference.

Plueger can be reached at [email protected]