The Hilleboe-Kittelsby (Hill-Kitt) building has definitely transformed into something more modern, similar to New Hall, with upgraded amenities. The kitchen is gorgeous, with a nice common space for people to hang out in and have friends over while cooking or baking together. It even has a separate kitchen for people who could be exposed to allergies or gluten intolerance: book yourself the space, swipe your ID, and you have full access to your own little kitchen with everything you need.
The laundry room in the basement has stayed the same since even before the renovations happened: four washers on one side and four dryers on the other, working just like you would expect for a regular laundry room. But now on the main floor, they recently switched to newer and nicer washers and dryers, possibly the same models that Mohn has. It’s a great perk.
The bathrooms are a bit nicer, too. The showers actually have real doors instead of the faulty and loose shower curtains in almost every other hall. The shower always has consistent hot water, so you don’t have to worry about sudden cold showers. That’s all I really care about when it comes to bathrooms.
However, the rooms were different from what I expected from the new Hill-Kitt. The rooms themselves feel similar to Ytterboe when it comes to the layout of the triples and the doubles. Hanging out with a friend who lives in one feels like being in Ellingson. Unfortunately, the rooms feel and look smaller after they remodeled the building. The triples feel out of place, like they were trying to fit as many people in there as possible: three loftable beds (two shaped in bunks), three nightstands, three bigger closets, and the saddest part — regular wooden chairs with desks that don’t have a desk hutch. It does serve its purpose, though: it’s a dorm room. But it’s nowhere near the same layout as the other halls on campus.
I liked the way Hill-Kitt previously looked, which had a similar structure to Thorson. It looked original and authentic before it was transformed into something more modern, like New Hall. It’s not all bad on the inside, however — I love everything new about the hall, and the dorm is comfortable when you settle in.
Overall, I would recommend living here for the upcoming year.
