How to Choose the Right Dorm for You

Choosing a dorm is an important decision. You'll be spending a lot of time there, and you want to make sure it fits your needs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Decide whether you want a co-ed or single-sex dorm, smoking or nonsmoking.

2. Choose a "frosh" dorm, which tends to be rowdy, if you want opportunities to meet people.

3. Opt for a four-class dorm or a dorm with quiet hours if you need peace and quiet.

4. Investigate the dorm's location to make sure it's close to classrooms, the student center and town.

5. Ask how many people are put in each room. Some dorms offer singles, but most offer doubles. Sometimes dorms put three or four students in a room.

6. Find out if a dorm offers suites. These are dorm rooms with one main room and two or more adjoining rooms. They tend to be more spacious.

7. Look for dorms with conveniences such as cafeterias, laundry rooms, exercise rooms, recreation rooms and computer facilities.

8. Make sure the dorm is in a safe area and well-lit.

9. Inquire about dorms with themes or academic programs, available at certain schools.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the school you plan to attend ahead of time and inspect the dorm facilities in person.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Earn your degree from industry experts at University of Phoenix. Take the next step in your career.

[honeykoh24]

on 7/29/2009 there's designyourdorm.com to help out especially if your coming from out of state... www.designyourdorm.com

on 6/30/2006 Don't be afraid to choose a dorm far away from your classes or full of kids outside of your major. Sometimes the small dorm in the historic district may be filled with music majors, but it has its own charms. Check them all out and try to find the value in each.

on 2/1/2006 The big dorms are going to have more people (obviously), and while this is good for meeting people, it's also good for having more crazy kids popping their head into your room at all hours of the night. In smaller dorms you can get to know everyone better and become closer. Small and large have their advantages. At most schools you don't have much luck of deciding where you live as a freshman, and after that you'll already know how each dorm usually acts.

on 11/22/2005 The type of bathroom can also dictate whether you have to clean it yourself or get house-keeping to do it. For most boys house-keeping is a must, so community bathrooms are better.

on 11/22/2005 Find out about any school sponsored programs that may allow you to spend the night in a dorm that interests you. The best part of living in the dorms is the people that you will meet. If you want to meet people easier, avoid dorms that offer private rooms or bathrooms. Students tend to hole up in their rooms and it's harder to make new friends. Also, look for a dorm that hosts lots of activities, which attract a variety of social people.