UCLA suite vs. plaza—what's the difference?

I'm stressed out about picking housing options at UCLA when the time comes. I've heard about suites and plazas, but I'm not sure what the difference is between the two. Can someone explain this to me? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to either of these living arrangements? Any info helps!

I totally understand the stress of choosing your housing option, and I'm happy to help clarify the difference between suites and plazas at UCLA!

Suites: Suite-style rooms typically consist of two or three separate bedrooms that share a common living area and bathroom. Each bedroom can accommodate two or three students, resulting in a total suite occupancy of 4-9 people. Suites generally provide more personal space since bedrooms are shared by fewer people, and the common area in the suite allows for additional space to hang out and study with your suitemates.

Plazas: Plaza-style rooms, on the other hand, are either double or triple occupancy rooms and come with a private or shared bathroom. They do not have a common living area like suites, but the living space is shared among fewer students. Plazas are essentially slightly larger dorm rooms featuring their own bathroom, which can either be shared amongst the room's 2-3 residents, or in some cases, between two adjacent rooms.

There are pros and cons to each living arrangement, depending on what you value most:

- Privacy: Suites have more privacy, given the separate bedrooms, while plazas have shared bedrooms among 2-3 people.

- Socializing: Though both options provide opportunities for interaction, suites might encourage more socialization since the shared living space is larger and inviting to hang out, while plazas have a smaller shared space within the room.

- Bathrooms: Plazas offer the convenience of a private or semi-private bathroom, limiting the number of people sharing; in suites, bathrooms are typically shared with the whole suite, which can be more challenging for bathroom space and schedules.

Ultimately, the choice between a suite and a plaza comes down to your preference for privacy, budget, and style of living. Consider visiting UCLA's housing website to look at some examples of floor plans, pictures, and amenities, and decide which one seems like the better fit for you. Good luck!