Where will you live as a student?
You might have already started envisioning your dorm room. But, when you begin shopping, you realize you’re not entirely sure what you need. Or what dorm you’re in. Choosing your housing is an important decision that can impact the quality of your experience on campus.
There’s a lot to consider, so we broke it down into 3 main categories
Many 4-year colleges require first-year students to live on campus but exceptions can be made if you live with your parents or other family members nearby. Dorms and on-campus apartments are the most common housing options.
These are usually large buildings on campus with several floors of rooms. Dorm rooms are usually shared spaces with at least one roommate, but can also be single rooms with no roommate. Bathrooms may be private or communally shared on a single floor. Dorm rooms usually do not have a kitchen, and likely have restrictions around what cooking appliances you can keep in your room.
On-Campus apartments vary widely from school to school. These may be 2-bedrooms, accommodating 4 students per apartment (meaning you’ll likely share a bedroom with one roommate,) or 4-bedroom 2-bathroom, meaning you’ll have your own room, but share a bathroom with one other student. Some apartments have a kitchen, some do not.
Special accommodations can be made if you need them; don’t be afraid to ask! For example, if you require a service animal or more accessibility, reach out to the Disability/Accessibility Office on your campus. They’ll be happy to help you find the answers you are looking for, make recommendations, and create solutions.
Find out as much information as you can before you decide.
Your dorm will be your home for at least a year. You want to like it!
Because of the multiple options available, colleges do not automatically assign you housing when you accept your admissions offer. Here are the steps to set up your Housing:
Once you know where you’re staying and a general idea of what it looks like, check out a Packing for College checklist. If you’re going to have a roommate, hold off on purchasing big ticket items. You might be able to split the cost on minifridges, coffee machines, etc.
Most 2-year colleges including the do not have housing for students, but some do. If you need a place to live while attending a community college, visit the Student Services office on your campus and ask for help. Be sure to investigate all costs, read reviews, and weigh the pros and cons before making any housing decisions.
Finally, don’t forget about food! Check-out our Guide to Selecting Your Meal Plan»
These 6 steps will help you prepare for a strong start on your first day
Read More
What to know when deciding how often you will eat on campus
Read More
Learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities and why some students choose them
Read More
What to consider when deciding how to get yourself (and your stuff) to campus.
Read More