<p>
[quote]
So, how bad is living in a triple? In one of the Units?
[/quote]
If you get along with your roomies, it really isn't that bad. The space may be a bit cramped though. There have been a couple of pretty bad roomie situations involving triples this year, but that definitely isn't the norm.</p>
<p>More opinions please!</p>
<p>are the unit 3 building(s?) the newest of the 3 "unit" buildings?</p>
<p>No. Newest is Unit 1/2 minisuites.</p>
<p>Minisuites are newest
Foothill follows
Followed by Units 1 and 2 (they were renovated more recently than Unit 3)
Followed by Unit 3
Followed by Stern (Stern has a new wing and an old wing)
Followed by Bowles</p>
<p>what about refrigerators and microwaves? i heard that they don't provide them and you have to rent it or something? Where do you rent them and can you buy your own if you want?</p>
<p>you can buy your own if you want to</p>
<p>@Sputnik: You can buy your own, just make sure to hide it underneath a cloth when the admins check.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any input on the Wada Apartments in Unit 2?</p>
<p>Not available to lower division students. You need to be a Jr., Sr., or Super Sr.</p>
<p>Is there any preference/pro to getting a mini-suite versus a regular room?</p>
<p>less people per bathroom</p>
<p>Is that basically all?</p>
<p>
[quote]
@Sputnik: You can buy your own, just make sure to hide it underneath a cloth when the admins check.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>By "it" do you mean the fridge, microwave, or both? And why do you need to hide them?</p>
<p>You're not allowed to have your own fridges, but when they do room inspections, they are forbidden by law to touch anything, so as long as they do not see something, they cannot do anything about it.</p>
<p>You're not? Most of my friends do and it's perfectly fine. Getting a fridge from the school is kind of pricey.</p>
<p>It's perfectly fine because they cover it up when inspectors come.</p>
<p>Can anybody comment on the different housings?</p>
<p>wow..and these inspections are pre-announced?</p>
<p>Announced.</p>
<p>Here's a quick rundown about what I know about the Units. I currently live in Unit 3 Priestley, but I have been to Units 1 and 2 so can give you a general comparison. For the most part, the Units are the same (as far as room size, general layout, services, price, etc.), with a few notable differences:</p>
<p>Units 1 and 2 are very similar, with Unit 1 being 2 blocks closer to campus. Both of them are aesthetically "prettier" than Unit 3 because the older dorms are surrounded by the newer mini-suite buildings (note to fall admits: I don't know anyone who got mini-suites last year, so I don't recommend wasting your housing preferences on them) and because they have a large central area with trees and grass and stuff. They are also slightly newer buildings, I believe, but for the most part you can't tell. The good thing about 1 and 2 is that they have laundry rooms every other floor, whereas Unit 3 has one central laundry area below the cafeteria. Units 1 and 2 also have closets where Unit 3 has armoires/wardrobes- I don't know if one is better than the other, because they are similar in size. I can't say this for sure, but I imagine that they would also be quieter (as far as street-level noise- in no way does any one dorm correspond to an inherent amount of partying done by its residents) because they are in more suburban areas. Units 1 and 2 are also closer to frat/sorority row, if that's your thing. These two Units share Crossroads, which is a huge dining commons open every day. Attached to Crossroads is the Den, which has a Peet's Coffee/deli/smoothie bar at which you can use your meal points, which is awesome. I should probably note that Crossroads, the Den, and Units 1 and 2 are only actually like two blocks from Unit 3, so most of this stuff is pretty much shared between the three. </p>
<p>The best part about Unit 3 is its convenience. I would say that if Units 1 and 2 are the suburban dorms, Unit 3 is the urban one. Unit 3 has its own cafeteria (affectionately known as Cafe 3/Cafe Tres/DC3, depending on who you talk to) which is super convenient, because in Units 1 and 2 you have to walk to Crossroads, which is like a block away (in between the two) whereas Cafe 3 is right in the middle of Unit 3 (note that anyone can eat at any cafeteria). Cafe 3 is usually known for having the best quality food, but because it serves a smaller amount of people it also has fewer options. It is also closed from Friday dinner to Sunday brunch (people usually go to Crossroads or Bear Market at these times). Bear Market is a hugely overpriced but nonetheless fabulously convenient mini-grocery-store-thing in Unit 3, at which you can use your meal points to buy everything from energy drinks to hummus to frozen meals to milk to band aids to paper to condoms. People come from far and wide to shop here because none of the other dorms have anything similar, as far as I know. Unit 3 is also the closest dorm to Sproul Plaza and the main part of campus, plus it is right below Telegraph and a 10 second walk from Yogurt Park/Blondie's Pizza/Chipotle. </p>
<p>All the Units have their pros and cons, to be honest. I highly suggest you visit them all on Cal Day and decide what is best for you, but even if you don't get your first choice I think you will probably be happy if you know how to make the best of it. </p>
<p>Oh, and as a side note on the alcohol thing... I shouldn't be saying this, but it's not as much of a big deal as the housing site would want you to believe. If you keep your door closed while drinking and don't be loud and obnoxious about it I don't think you'll have any problems. Storing it is not a big deal either- RAs don't ever really search your room or anything so just keep it out of plain sight and you'll be okay.</p>