College Housing Options

Types of dorms

In the summer before your first year at college, you may be asked if you want to live in a special dorm or on a special floor. Every school has different housing options, but here are some of the most common:

• Single-sex dorms: Some colleges require all first-year students to live in a single-sex dorm. These types of dorms may have restrictions concerning guests of the opposite sex.
• Chemical- or substance-free dorms: These dorms prohibit smoking, drinking, and drugs. If this jibes with your lifestyle choices, you should consider living in one. The upside to substance-free dorms is that you don't have to worry about your roommate throwing a "kegger." However, be aware that the penalties for getting caught with alcohol or drugs in these dorms may be harsh.
• Special-interest or "theme" housing: At these dorms, you'll meet students who share your interests. For example, there may be a dorm for international students or music majors. One risk is that you may miss out on meeting a more diverse group of people.

Types of rooms

Most dorm housing consists of either a room off a hallway, or a suite with one or more bedrooms and a living room. In most cases, you'll be sharing a bathroom with many other people on your floor or hallway. The bathrooms may be single-sex or coed.

• Singles: It's pretty rare to get a single as a first-year student. Having a single has its obvious perks, but there are some negatives as well. A roommate can be a welcome companion, especially those first few weeks. Plus, in a single you'll have to foot all the expenses.
• Doubles: A double -- sharing a bedroom with one other person -- is by far the most common setup at most schools. You and your roommate can decide how to set up the room. Bunk beds may give you some extra space.
• Suites: This is a nice option if you can get it. Suites usually consist of a couple of bedrooms and some kind of shared living space. For instance, a quad (four people) might be made up of two double bedrooms and one common room. You get the best of both worlds with this option; you can go into your bedroom to sleep, while your roommate studies or talks on the phone in the common room.