Colleges with the Best Dorms
Your dorm room in college becomes your home for the next few years during your college life. so it’s essential to look into colleges with the best dorms!
It’s where you’ll study late nights fueled by food runs, bond with new friends, and even experience a late-night snack attack or two.
Dorm life is an essential part of the college experience, a place where memories are made and friendships are forged.
While academics are obviously crucial, finding a college with great dorms can truly enhance your experience.
Your dorm becomes your home base whether for socializing or being your study corner!
What Makes a Great Dorm?
Finding the perfect colleges with the best dorms goes beyond just academics and location. For many students, their dorm room becomes their home away from home for the next few years.
Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that contribute to having an amazing dorm experience:
Building Your Home Away from Home
When it comes to “colleges with the best dorms,” location goes beyond just the features within your room. Here’s how the surrounding environment can impact your experience:
Proximity to campus facilities: Being close to dining halls, classrooms, and libraries saves students time and reduces stress. Colleges with the best dorms will offer a variety of housing options that cater to different needs. Look for freshman dorms situated in a central location, putting you at the heart of the action and minimizing the need for extensive commutes.
Social spaces: Easy access to common areas within the dorm or nearby, like lounges, game rooms, and courtyards, promoting interaction. These social spaces are the perfect place to unwind between classes or find a study buddy for that upcoming exam. Colleges with the best dorms will prioritize fostering a strong sense of community, and well-designed common areas play a big role in achieving that.
Dorm atmosphere: Consider factors like single-sex vs. co-ed housing, and whether the dorm is known for being quiet or social. Choose an environment that aligns with your personality and preferences. Some students thrive in a bustling, social dorm environment, while others prefer a quieter space for studying and relaxation. Colleges with the best dorms will offer a variety of housing options to cater to different preferences. Research the different dorms on campus and their known atmosphere. Do you want a dorm known for their social events or a quieter space for studying late into the night? Knowing your preferences will help you find the perfect dorm fit.
Amenities: Must-Haves for a Comfortable College Life
Bathrooms
Figuring out the kinds of bathrooms are available for your college dorm can be a huge factor to consider. Different types of bathrooms offer varying levels of privacy and convenience for students.
Communal Bathroom: This is the most common type of dorm bathroom. It is a shared bathroom that is located on the hallway and is accessible to all residents on that floor. A communal bathroom will typically have multiple sinks in an open area, with separate stalls for toilets and showers.
Suite-Style Bathroom: Suite-style dorms are becoming increasingly popular on college campuses. A suite typically consists of a living area shared by a small group of students (often 2-4), with bedrooms branching off from the living area. The suite will have a private bathroom that is only accessible to the residents of that particular suite.
In-Room Bathroom: In some newer or more upscale dorms, you may find that the dorm room itself has a private bathroom attached. This bathroom will typically be a single-user bathroom and accessible only to the residents of that room.
The type of bathroom you will have in your dorm will depend on the specific dorm you are assigned to and the overall housing options offered by the college.
In-unit laundry: Most college dorms have on site laundry that is communal for everyone in your dorm building. Just keep in mind you’ll need to bring your own detergent, fabric softener, dryer sheets, etc.
Fitness/Rec Centers
Depending on your college, some dorms may have a gym facility within your dorm. But the vast majority of colleges and universities will have some sort of fitness center available to students. These gyms can be located in a separate building from the dorms or they could be part of a recreation center complex.
Here’s a breakdown of where you might find a gym on campus:
Rec Center: Most colleges and universities have a recreation center, or “rec center” for short. This is a large facility that will typically house a gym, an indoor pool, racquetball courts, and other fitness amenities.
Stand-alone Fitness Center: Some schools may have a separate fitness center in addition to a rec center. This is especially common at larger universities.
Dorm Gyms: It is less common, but some very large or upscale dorms may have their own small gyms on-site. These gyms will typically be much smaller than a rec center gym and may have a limited selection of equipment.
Even if your dorm doesn’t have its own gym, there is a good chance that there is a larger gym facility on campus. These gyms are usually free for students to use with their student ID.
Study Spaces
Dedicated study rooms within the dorm offer a quiet and focused environment for individual or group study sessions. This like most other factors will vary depending on the college you go to.
Most dorm buildings offer several study spots beyond your own dorm room, catering to different preferences. Here are some options you might find:
Common Rooms or Lounges: These are social spaces often located on each floor or in designated areas. They typically have couches, armchairs, and tables, making them suitable for quiet individual study or group discussions.
Study Rooms: Some dorms have dedicated study rooms specifically designed for focused studying. These rooms are usually quiet and equipped with tables, chairs, and sometimes whiteboards for group work. They might be reservable in advance, so check with your Resident Assistant (RA) for details.
Quiet Floors: Some dorms have designated floors or wings specifically for quiet study. These areas typically have stricter noise regulations to create a calm environment conducive to focused work.
Hallway Nooks: Some dorms might have nooks or alcoves in hallways with built-in seating or small tables. While not the most private option, they can be a good spot for a quick study session or a change of scenery.
Green Spaces
Many college dorms and campuses have green spaces. In fact, having green spaces is becoming increasingly important for universities for a number of reasons:
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can improve students’ mental and physical health, reduce stress, and even improve academic performance.
Green spaces can help to improve air quality, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitat for wildlife.
Green spaces can add beauty to a campus. Additionally they provide a place for students to relax, socialize, or study outdoors.
The specific types of green spaces you’ll find can vary depending on the campus, but here are some examples:
Quads: These are large, open areas in the center of campus that are often used for student events, relaxation, or studying.
Lawns: Many campuses have expansive lawns that can be used for sunbathing, playing frisbee, or picnicking.
Gardens: Some campuses have botanical gardens or other types of gardens for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature.
Wooded areas: Some campuses have wooded areas with trails perfect for hiking, jogging, or simply enjoying a quiet walk-in nature.
Even if your dorm building itself doesn’t have a green space right outside, there’s a good chance the campus will have green areas nearby that you can easily access. Easy access to courtyards, rooftop gardens, or other green spaces can be a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of campus life.
Dorm Room Layouts and College Considerations
College dorms offer a variety of living arrangements to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a breakdown of the most common dorm room layouts:
Single Rooms: These offer ultimate privacy and quiet, ideal for focused studying or those who prefer their own space. They tend to be the most expensive option and may limit spontaneous interactions with dorm mates. While less prevalent, some colleges known for exceptional dorms, like Washington University in St. Louis and High Point University, do provide a good selection of single rooms.
Double Rooms: Sharing a room with one roommate is a common dorm setup. This layout allows for a balance between privacy and social interaction. Doubles are the most widely available option, with the cost typically split between roommates.
Triple Rooms: Sharing a room with two roommates can be a budget-friendly choice and a way to expand your social circle. However, these rooms offer less personal space and might require more compromise on personal habits. Triple rooms are a common option, particularly in freshman dorms.
Quad Rooms: These rooms house four students, making them the most social and often the most affordable option. However, they can also be the most challenging in terms of privacy and personal space. Quad rooms are less common than doubles or triples, but they are still available in some dorms, especially older buildings.
Suites: Suites provide a blend of privacy and social interaction. They typically consist of a shared common living area for a small group of students (often 2-4) with private bedrooms branching off from it. This layout allows for socializing within the suite while offering individual space for studying or sleeping.
Apartment-Style Living: Offered primarily to upperclassmen, some dorms have apartment-style living with amenities like full kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms. This provides more independence and a homey feel, perfect for students who enjoy cooking their own meals or living with a close group of friends. This option is becoming increasingly popular, though less common overall, and some colleges are known for their exceptional upperclassmen apartment-style housing options.
The ideal dorm room layout for you will depend on your personality, preferences, and budget. Consider these questions when making your decision:
How much privacy do you need for studying and relaxation?
What is your budget?
Do you prefer a more social living environment or a quieter space?
Would you like the option to cook your own meals (apartment-style only)?
Top Colleges with Best Dorms
Here is a list of some colleges with the best dorms:
Washington University in St. Louis (St. Louis, MO): WashU offers a variety of residence halls catering to diverse student needs. Freshmen are typically housed in South 40 House System, known for its close-knit communities and beautiful gothic architecture.
Bowdoin College (Brunswick, ME): This prestigious liberal arts college boasts historic dorms that are surprisingly modern within. Most students live in suites with common areas, fostering a strong sense of community.
High Point University (High Point, NC): High Point is known for its luxurious dorms, featuring amenities like in-unit laundry and private bathrooms in most rooms.
Scripps College (Claremont, CA): This all-women’s college offers a unique living-learning environment where students live in residence halls with faculty members, creating opportunities for mentorship and academic engagement outside the classroom.
Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, TX): TCU offers a mix of traditional dorms and unique living options like repurposed Greek houses, providing spacious accommodations and a strong sense of community.
University of Vermont (Burlington, VT): This large public university offers a variety of dorms with stunning views of the Green Mountains. Many residence halls feature environmentally friendly elements and prioritize sustainable living practices.
Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, FL): This private liberal arts college boasts residence halls with a beachy vibe, many featuring balconies or patios overlooking the water.
Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, CA): LMU offers a variety of residence halls situated on its beautiful Los Angeles campus. Students enjoy the California sunshine in outdoor courtyards and common areas.
Kalamazoo College (Kalamazoo, MI): This small liberal arts college features residence halls with unique architectural styles, ranging from historic mansions to modern apartment-style living. Kalamazoo College is known for its strong sense of community, and first-year students are placed in residence halls that foster interaction and engagement.
James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA): JMU offers a variety of residence halls catering to different student preferences. Students can choose from traditional dorms, living-learning communities with a focus on specific academic interests, and apartment-style halls for upperclassmen. JMU residence halls are known for their vibrant atmosphere and sense of community.
This list is just a starting point, and there are many other colleges with exceptional dorms out there waiting to be discovered. Remember, the perfect dorm for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. By considering the factors we’ve outlined throughout this guide, you can find a dorm that feels like home and sets you up for academic success.
While the hunt for colleges with the best dorms is exciting, it’s important to remember that “best” is subjective. The perfect dorm for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities.
Here are some other factors to consider beyond the physical features of the dorm itself:
Academic programs and fit: Is the college a good academic fit for you? Does it offer the major you’re interested in and strong programs in your areas of interest? A dorm with all the bells and whistles won’t matter much if the college itself isn’t a good fit for your academic goals.
Cost and financial aid: Can you afford to attend the college, even with financial aid? Remember, dorm living comes with additional costs beyond tuition, such as meal plans and potential fees.
Location and surrounding area: Do you prefer a bustling urban campus or a quiet, secluded setting? Consider the surrounding area – is it safe and does it offer amenities you value, like restaurants, shops, or outdoor recreation opportunities?
Campus life and activities: Does the college offer a vibrant campus life with clubs, organizations, and social events that interest you? Look beyond the dorm itself and consider the overall campus environment.
Researching Dorms at Specific Colleges:
Once you’ve narrowed down your college choices, it’s time to delve deeper into the dorm options at each school.
Here are some tips for your research:
Virtual tours: Many colleges offer virtual tours of their residence halls, giving you a 360-degree view of the rooms, common areas, and surrounding facilities. Take advantage of these virtual tours to get a feel for the dorm environment.
Student reviews: Reading student reviews can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of different dorms on campus.
Contact the housing department: Don’t hesitate to contact the college housing department directly with any specific questions you may have about dorm options, application procedures, or roommate selection.
By considering all these factors, you can move beyond just the “best dorms” and find a college that offers a well-rounded experience that supports your academic and personal growth.
Strategies for Getting a Great Dorm Room
While not all colleges allow for extensive customization when it comes to dorm rooms, some institutions offer options that can increase your chances of landing a desirable space.
Here are a few strategies to consider (depending on the specific college’s application process):
Apply for housing early: Many colleges have priority deadlines for housing applications. Applying early gives you a better chance of getting your top dorm choices.
Research different dorm options: Most colleges offer a variety of residence halls with different atmospheres and amenities. Research the different options and choose the one that best aligns with your preferences (e.g., quiet vs. social atmosphere, single rooms vs. suites).
Consider living learning communities (LLCs): Some colleges offer living learning communities (LLCs) that group students with similar academic interests together in the same residence hall. This can be a great way to connect with like-minded students and enhance your academic experience.
Dorm life is an integral part of the college experience. Finding a dorm that feels comfortable and supportive can make a big difference in your overall satisfaction and success.
While the search for colleges with the best dorms can be tempting, remember that the perfect dorm is the one that best suits your individual needs and preferences. By considering the factors outlined above and conducting thorough research on specific colleges and their housing options, you can find a dorm that feels like home and sets you up for a thriving college experience.