The Ultimate Student Dorms Guide

Moving into a college dorm is a significant milestone, marking a transition into independence and a new chapter of academic and social life. This guide provides essential information for students navigating on-campus housing, from the selection process to creating a comfortable and safe living environment.

Why Choose On-Campus Housing?

Living in a dorm offers numerous benefits, particularly for first-year students. The transition to college can be stressful, and living on campus eases this adjustment by fostering a sense of belonging. Campuses can be large and intimidating, but living alongside hundreds of other students navigating the same experience creates opportunities for lasting connections. Moreover, studies suggest that students living on campus experience GPA increases and are more likely to remain enrolled.

Engagement and Support

On-campus living fosters engagement in campus life. It's easier to attend events and club meetings when you're just a short walk away. This involvement is key, especially for freshmen, as it helps them find their place at the university, connect with others, and make friends. Resident Assistants (RAs) provide support and guidance, answering questions and helping students navigate their new environment.

Types of College Housing

While traditional residence halls with single, double, or triple rooms and shared hall bathrooms are common, many colleges offer diverse on-campus living options. These include:

Jack-and-Jill style rooms: Two rooms connected by a shared bathroom.
Suites: Private rooms with a shared living room and kitchenette.
Apartment-style housing: Independent living spaces within the campus.
Townhouses: Small, multi-level residences.

The Housing Selection Process

The housing selection process varies across campuses. Some colleges ask first-year students to rank their residence hall preferences, while others allow all students to select their rooms. Many colleges use a lottery system to assign time slots for room selection. Upperclassmen often have priority in this system, giving them access to a wider selection of properties.

Room Renewals

Some institutions offer Room Renewals, giving students the opportunity to keep their current room for the following academic year. However, some rooms may be reserved for specific uses. Housing Selection for returning students typically begins in April for the upcoming academic year. You will sign up for housing according to your current class status by credit hour, not your projected class status for the Fall semester.

Living-Learning Communities

Many schools offer living-learning communities, where students with similar academic interests, identities, or passions can live together. Participants in these communities are more likely to engage with faculty, attend classes, seek advising, and use academic support services.

Off-Campus Housing Eligibility

For students considering off-campus living, it's essential to review the housing eligibility requirements. After reviewing eligibility details, you may submit an off-campus application in the Housing Selection section of the Res Life Portal. If you meet the necessary qualifications, your application will be automatically approved. If you do not meet the qualifications, it will be automatically appealed to the Director of Housing for review. Students are only allowed to submit one off-campus request per semester, so be sure to include all relevant details in your application.

Finding a Roommate

Colleges typically use roommate questionnaires to match first-year students based on sleep and cleanliness habits. It's important to be honest in your answers to ensure the best possible match. For older students, consider compatibility when choosing to live with friends.

Costs of On-Campus Housing

The average cost for room and board at four-year institutions is $12,111 per academic year, but this varies between public and private schools. Public universities charge about $11,520 annually, while private schools average $13,028. These costs generally cover a 9-month academic year, excluding summer and holiday breaks. Costs vary, but some colleges charge a single rate for all on-campus housing. In some locations, the cost of living on campus pales in comparison to the off-campus housing market, while in others, the direct costs are closer to equal.

Read also: Living on Campus at EMU

On-Campus Housing Safety

University housing typically has restricted access, requiring residents to scan their student ID to enter the building. Students should keep their rooms locked, especially at night. Many colleges have cameras posted around campus and in buildings. Resident assistants, residence life staff members, and campus police officers are available to provide support in case of an emergency.

Essential Dorm Packing Checklist

Dorm rooms are small, so prioritize essentials and space-saving solutions. Here's a short checklist of dorm essentials to help you get started:

Bedding: Sheets (Twin XL), blankets, pillows, and mattress pad.
Towels and Toiletries: Basic personal care items.
Shower Shoes: Essential for communal bathrooms.
Shower Caddy: To carry supplies to and from the bathroom.
Bathrobe: For comfortable travel to and from the shower.
Laundry Supplies: Detergent, hamper, and quarters (if needed).

Only pack clothes for the next few months, given that your child will probably be coming home in October or November, and can swap out shorts and t-shirts for more sweaters and sweatshirts. Also, keep the decorating to a minimum. There isn’t room for much. We limited ours to a fabric pinboard, fun string lights, decorative pillows, a throw, and an area rug.

Tips for Surviving Dorm Life

Be Open-Minded: Your move-in day will be just as terrifying for you as it will be for the rest of your floormates.
Clean Up After Yourself: Show responsibility, especially in the bathroom.
Be Considerate of Your Roommate: If you have early classes, be thoughtful of a still-sleeping roommate. Conversely, if you’re spending late nights in the library, be considerate when coming home.
Respect Dorm Rules: Dorm buildings have rules for entry to keep residents safe, happy, and productive. These can include quiet hours, guest policies, and rules about what appliances are allowed in rooms.
Communicate with Your Roommate: Living in a small space with a new person can lead to misunderstandings and petty arguments. It is necessary to talk out problems with a roommate as soon as an issue arises.
Knock First: If the door is closed, always knock first.
Have Fun! You are creating memories and making friends you will cherish for the rest of your life.

Addressing Roommate Conflicts

Sometimes, despite efforts to compromise and get along, problems arise between roommates. Let your roommate know what is bothering you, rather than letting your feelings of frustration build up over time. Be clear, respectful, and direct - but avoid personal attacks. If talking with your roommate isn’t getting you anywhere, you might want to ask the RA for guidance. They can help you find the right words to use or directly intervene as an unbiased mediator if necessary. If things really are not working out with a roommate, you can request to move to new housing, if space is available.

Transition to Apartment Living

All of our kids eventually moved into an apartment. Many college apartments come furnished, which is a huge plus. Then all you have to bring is your clothing, personal items, and a few things to make it homey and your own.

Read also: Living with Pets at College

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