Complete Guide to Student Housing On Campus

For many students, beginning their college journey means choosing a living arrangement that will suit them for the next four years. Research has proven that students who choose to become fully immersed in the whole college process and choose on-campus living experience higher levels of satisfaction. They also tend to earn superior grades, are more likely to stay focused and graduate on time.

Over the years, the typical college dorm arrangement has evolved into newer styles of arrangements that help encompass the needs of students today. Different colleges will offer different options for on and off-campus housing. This article will help shed some light on those options so that you can better choose the type best for you.

Types of On-Campus Housing

Dorm options

Traditional Dorm-style – This type offers shared rooms with a community bathroom

Single Dorm – Private bedroom typically fitted with a sleeping area, refrigerator, microwave, and study space. Sometimes they will have their own bathroom, other times there will be a shared bathroom.

Double Dorm – This is a very common and popular housing type. It gives you the same amenities as a single room but large enough to house 2 to 3 students. Again, this option may or may not have its own private bathroom.

Modern Options

Private room – Bedrooms are non-shared and students have access to a common area

Apartment-style housing – Rooms in this option give you a more “off-campus” feel. Usually, it will consist of 2 or more bedrooms (private or double dorm) connected by a common area where a kitchen and bathroom are located for only that group of student’s use.

Special Case Options

Gender-specific housing – Many housing areas are inclusive using gender-neutral bathrooms and co-ed sleeping arrangements. This may not be comfortable for some, especially if the student comes from a culture or religion that strictly prohibits interaction between the sexes on that level. In gender-specific housing, either the entire building is reserved for either males or females, or it is set up in a way that keeps the genders separated. There are often rules in place to prohibit the opposite sex from entering specific parts of the building or visiting after certain hours. This way socialization is still encouraged, but genders are separated enough to allow for privacy.

Specialty Housing – This living arrangement caters to specific groups or needs. Some may prohibit alcohol and tobacco use in order to offer students housing where they do not have to worry about parties. Some dorms may limit residents to students involved in a specific degree of pursuit. This is attractive to students who study music and may practice in their rooms. It can also be effective for creating networking relationships, study groups, and just being around people who have similar interests.

Other Amenities

Though having your own private room is a major interest for many, it is not the only thing that colleges market to their students when it comes to on-campus living. Some can even offer housing that is in a beautiful setting such as lakeside or on the beach. Community workout spaces, pools, and other resources are also attractive additions. Many campus controlled housing arrangements will also take care of cleaning, repairs, and cooking so you can really focus solely on your education.

Safety Concerns

Some colleges require on-campus living for at least the student’s freshman year. This means a lot of students concentrated in one area. To ensure student safety, colleges employ trained staff who are skilled in handling drug and alcohol issues, mental health issues, and defusing situations that can cause domestic assault or physical fights.

Usually, there are also restricted access to facilities and residences sometimes with the use of swipe cards. They are also staffed with security guards at entrances or at front desks and equipped with security cameras. If you feel anxious about your safety, take the time to talk to your admissions counselor to ease your mind.