Is Shippee the best dorm at UConn?

Not a bad place for freshman dorms but could be a lot better. A+B rooms are pretty small so definitely utilize under-the-bed space for storage. C rooms have their own private bathroom and have more space than A+B rooms but are also more expensive. Nice because it is close to Storrs Center but it's a long haul to any classes unless you are a Fine Arts or Music major. Even though the rooms are lacking, the vibe here is honestly the best, it is where I met all of my college friends. People were super friendly and most leave their doors open and talk with you whereas I've experienced the opposite in any other dorm I've been in. Buckley is the closest dining hall and leaves a lot to be desired but again, at least Storrs Center is right there if you have the extra few bucks for food. No AC and is a very hot building - my roommate and I would have our window wide open during blizzards because it would be so hot. Definitely bring a fan.

C Room (private bathroom and larger room) is the make or break factor. Marginally better than other freshman housing but the location isn’t great for classes.

If you can get a C room they are significantly bigger and have a private bathroom, otherwise the normal rooms are pretty small and the laundry room does not have enough machines for the building. There are no study lounges, just a basement with a few tables

Ok so - I lived in a C room personally, which was amazing. Huge room, bathroom was amazing. However, there was no community spaces to hang out in outside of the first floor/basement (no floor lounge, study spaces, etc). There's usually 3 working washers and 4 working dryers for the whole building (despite being 4 washers and 6 dryers total), and the only clean drinking water source is the basement. It was great living in a C room, but the other rooms were just average, on par with Alumni without the convenient location or amenities. However, there are kitchens on every floor, which is nice.

Okay dorm building. Mainly freshman. I would recommend Buckley next door as it is basically the same building, but with a larger laundry room, and the dining hall is downstairs (even though it's a bad dining hall).