How to Choose a College Dorm

Getting into college can be an exciting time, but with so many decisions to make it can be hard to find the right direction. Such is the case with choosing a dormitory, as sometimes getting a list full of building names can be more confusing than the application process itself. Figure out how to get on the right track for college by choosing the right dorm for you.

Instructions

How to Choose a College Dorm

1. Asking around is always a great method, but before doing so take note of the people you ask. Getting advice from a freshman about a dorm will be much different from the advice a senior will give you.

2. Looking at the statistics is also a great preliminary step. You can contact the housing department on campus about specifics concerning the number of students and floors that a building holds.

3. Taking into account the first two steps, begin to make a list of the choices that still remain according to personal referrals or size. From there, decide if the suite layout will fit your needs. For instance, some older dorms may have eight people to a suite and others may have four. Also take into account things such as handicap accessibility or air conditioning if you have health issues.

4. Location is also a factor to consider while choosing a dorm, especially freshman year. While being close to classes or a particular professional school may be at the top of a parent's priority list, realize that these may not always be where the fun is. Try to get the best of both worlds by picking a place close to classes but also close to the largest or most popular freshman dorm, as chances are many of your friends will live there.

5. Rank these factors in order of preference, such as deciding if location is more important than amenities, or if a smaller suite is less important than being around more students to make friends with. Your priorities, and the best choice, will naturally prevail.