I transferred to UAA after a year at a more traditional university, with a more traditional dorm - one bedroom, one roommate, a bathroom everyone on the hall shared, etc. Coming to UAA after that - it was great. The UAA dorms - MAC and Templewood - are the best university dorms I've ever been in. As I understand it, they were originally built as apartments, not dorms, and the university purchased them later - which is why they're not your typical dorms.

MAC dorms are set up apartment-style. There are four bedrooms, one kitchen, living room, bathroom, and storage room. Each room is fairly spacious - I was especially impressed with the large bathroom, which actually accommadated four girls, and the large storage room. What I really loved about living in the MAC dorms was that each of the bedrooms are private rooms - which means, even if you hate your roommates, you can always stay in your room when they're home :) You don't have that option in regular dorms :) I have to say, though, all my roommates were great.

Another great thing about the MAC dorms is the freedom. At my first university, we had to check in all visitors, guys had to leave at midnight, the doors were locked at one AM, we had weekly room checks, etc. In the MAC dorms, you can have whatever guest, whenever you want, as long as your roommates don't have a problem with it. Officially, you're not supposed to have overnight guests more than three nights in a row, but no one enforces this. Dorm checks are only once a semester - just to make sure you're not trashing the place. For the most part, unless your neighbors complain about noise, the RAs leave you alone.

One of the worst things about living in the dorms is the location. It's about a 15 minute walk from the dorms to campus. Good exercise, but in the middle of winter when it's freezing and the trail is icy, it's not a lot of fun. You also have to watch out for moose along the trail.

If you want the regular dorm experience, these dorms are probably not for you. If, however, you want the apartment life with the convenience of the dorms, you'll love MAC.



Recommended: Yes