There are three standard university housing styles in the USA — rooms, suites, and apartments. Some dorm examples you might find are: – Shared room with one or more roommates on a corridor hall – Shared room with roommate/s in a suite, joined by a common area – Private room on a corridor hall or in a suite
All universities are different, but you will at least be provided basic furnishings and storage, like a bed, bureau, desk, chair, and closet space. Sometimes extra lighting, a rug, additional storage, and/or TV with cable may be included.
University housing amenities vary, but at most schools, you can expect WiFi access, common areas for hanging out or watching TV, study lounges, coin-operated laundry facilities, and security (personnel or keycard swipe).
Community: First and foremost, you are part of a community and will make lifelong friends by living in the dorms your first year.
Campus access: Living in the dorms also means you are on campus or close to campus, making it easier (and faster) to get around. Some dorms are located in the heart of campus, or on the outer edge, which means classrooms, labs, the football stadium, student union, and fitness center are just a few minutes away.
When researching and deciding what type of student housing is best for you, it is helpful to ask yourself the following questions:
You may prefer to live in a swanky penthouse apartment with a rooftop pool, but if your school does not have one, that will not be an option.
Whether you want to live with roommates, suitemates, or on your own is a matter of personal preference, budget, and availability at your university.
Some dormitories are right in the heart of campus, while others may involve a short walk or, at larger schools, taking a university shuttle.
What are your “must haves” and what is a “nice to have” amenity? Think of things like: Is there a gym on site to work out? How much storage do I really need?