Moving to college is a big deal, and picking the type of housing that will “suit you” (haha, get it?!) best is a big decision. One of the most common choices is between a suite style dorm room or a traditional dorm room. There is no right answer to which is the best option for you, but noting how you live and what you live can help you make a decision.
This guide to suite style dorm life and traditional dorm life will help you to find the best option for you!
What is a suite?
The definition of a suite is a set of rooms designated for one person’s or family’s use or for a particular purpose. It can also be referred to as a set of connected rooms under one room number. This could be most commonly seen in hotels, apartments, business suites, or even in college settings.
A suite can also refer to various other things such as
- Hotel Suites – a luxurious and typically more spacious accommodation within a hotel. Unlike standard hotel rooms, suites often consist of multiple rooms, including a bedroom, living room, and possibly a kitchenette or dining area. For example, suites in hotels are designed to provide a more comfortable and upscale experience for guests who are looking for additional space and amenities.
- Academic Suites – the term “suite” can also be used in an academic context to refer to a set of related courses or classes offered as a cohesive unit, often leading to a specific academic credential, such as a certificate or diploma. These academic suites are structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular subject or field of study.
- Apartment Suites – the use of “suite” in the context of apartments is more about the internal arrangement of rooms within the living space rather than denoting a higher level of luxury or specific amenities, as is often the case with hotel suites.
- Master Suites – In residential real estate, particularly in the design of houses and apartments, a master suite is a set of rooms within a home that typically includes a larger bedroom, an attached private bathroom, and possibly a walk-in closet.
- In-law Suites – Some apartments or houses have what is called an in-law suite, which is a set of rooms designed to provide separate living quarters for relatives or guests. It may include a bedroom, living area, kitchenette, and bathroom.
- Business Suites – In business, the term can be used more broadly to refer to a set of related items, services, or activities all located in one common area.
Basically, a suite is anything that can meet multiple needs of an individual in one common space, versus being spread out in multiple locations.
What is a suite in college?
In the context of college, a “suite” typically refers to a set of rooms designed for a specific purpose, often housing multiple students. The term is commonly used in the context of residence halls or dormitories.
A suite in a college setting may include several individual bedrooms or living spaces, often connected by a shared common area, kitchenette, or bathroom. Suites are designed to provide a more private and communal living arrangement than traditional dormitory rooms.
The specific layout and amenities of college suites can vary widely depending on the institution and the style of housing they offer. Some suites may be more apartment-like, with a separate living room and kitchen, while others may consist of a cluster of individual bedrooms with a shared common space.
Should you live in a traditional or suite style dorm?
Personally, I lived in a suite style dorm my freshman year. I thought it was great! We had our own living room, and kitchen, and I only shared a bathroom with a couple other girls. Although, I noticed I didn’t get as much of that “college experience” of knowing everyone on my floor, as everyone kept to themselves. Other friends of mine lived in a traditional dorm and got to experience dorm living and the college experience a lot more. However, it was definitely at the expense of their privacy and living area.
Traditional Dorm
Layout
Traditional dorms typically have shared rooms, often with one or more roommates. I often see them as dozens of 2 or 4 person rooms branched off of one hallway. There isn’t a communal living area and bathrooms are often shared. Usually there is one bathroom on each floor for everyone to share. This includes showers, restrooms, sinks, and mirrors.
Amenities
Traditional dorm rooms are usually equipped with basic furnishings like beds, desks, and closets. They may even have overhead or under the bed storage space to make up for the small room. These amenities are shared between roommates and you often live very close to them.
Look for videos of the dorm layout you are looking at for your college, as this will give you some insight for what to pack regarding dishes, silverware, storage space and more.
Social Environment
Because of the way traditional dorms are set up, they often bring people on the floor together. This is often what you think about when it comes to the college experience. In a way, everyone is bonding due to the proximity of their living situation as well as how different it may be from normal living situations. However, there is definitely a lack of privacy when it comes to traditional dorms. Everyone is so close to each other and you really never have your own privacy or space unless your roommate is gone.
Suite Style Dorm
Layout
Suites very often have private rooms for each person, and feel more like an apartment. These rooms aren’t large, but provide your own area should you want to step away and be alone. There is often a living space shared between the private rooms. There are also bathrooms in these units, which means you can avoid the communal bathrooms. Sometimes, there are multiple bathrooms in a unit, so you only share with one or to other people. Occasionally they have kitchens so you can cook or prep food. If you have food allergies, this might be a safer option for you than the dining hall.
Amenities
Beyond the living room, bathroom, and kitchen, these dorms often come furinashed. This may look like a bed and a desk in each of the private rooms, with the built in closet space. There may be shelf space above the closet as well. The living room often comes with couches and chairs, as well as side tables and a coffee table. The living area often has larger windows and lets in more light than smaller traditional dorms. The bathroom has a shower and toilet with a sink. The kitchen may have shelfs and a stove, as well as a fridge.
Like for the traditional dorms, look for videos of the dorm layout you are looking at for your college, as this will give you some insight for what to pack.
Social Environment
Suites generally house fewer students, creating a smaller and potentially more intimate community. This can be great to build close friendships with your roommates. You just wont get to know as many people as someone in a traditional dorm would.
Independence
Living in a suite style dorm can bring more independence to your college experience. With your own private room, you are more responsible for keeping your area clean and managing your time. You are also in charge of cleaning the common spaces and bathroom. When it comes to traditional dorms, someone working for the school cleans the communal spaces and bathrooms for you.
Examples of a suite style dorm
This is one suite style dorm from Indiana University Of Pennsylvania. This layout has four private rooms with desks and a closet. There is a shared living space and two bathrooms. So, only two people share a bathroom. There is a small kitchenette at the entranceway.
Here is another example of a suite style dorm. Suites vary between schools and their amenities. This unit has two shared bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small fridge and cooking space. Unlike some other suites, there is not a shared living area.
Examples of a traditional dorm
This traditional dorm style room is the most common dorm. This dorm has two beds in a shared room and two closet spaces. There are desks and shelfs included but thats it. There is a communal bathroom on the floor shared with multiple other students.
This dorm room is a more updated version from a traditional dorm. There is a shared bathroom space between the two rooms. There are two beds in each room and an exit to the hallway that has closet space.
Thanks for reading this guide to suite style dorms and traditional dorms! Best of luck in your college move!
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