As highschoolers approach the halfway point of their senior year, it is important to be educated on the different housing options college can bring. A student housing choice may depend on factors such as cost, location and liability. It is a good idea to visit the residential department of whatever college you are choosing to learn more about their specific options. Generally, there are three different types of housing in college. There are residence halls and dormitories, special interest housing and off-campus housing.
The terms “residence hall” and “dormitories” are used when describing on campus living. There are universities that require first-year students to live on campus, however not all schools require this. Room and board can be expensive depending on the school and tuition costs.
When imagining the standard dorm, many people immediately think of the single, double, or triple shared rooms with the shared hall bathrooms. Nowadays, however, many colleges have adopted Jack and Jill styled rooms. Some also may have an option for suites. Suites have private rooms and a shared kitchen and living room.
Chappell Mayes, a freshman at University of Tennessee Knoxville, recalls, “I don’t remember when I first applied for room and board. The process was simple, since I already knew who I wanted to room with. I really liked dorm life so far! I’ve met so many other girls in my hallway who I love. The shared bathrooms can be annoying at times, but never too bad.” Mayes encourages first year students to try out on campus living.
Finding a dormmate can be challenging. Some students scout out their roommate, or room with a friend they already know. Others may choose to go randomly. Colleges often provide quizzes and surveys students can take to find someone with a similar lifestyle. Some questions may be like, “What time do you go to bed at night?” “What temperature are you comfortable at?” “How do you feel about visitors in the dorm?”
Special housing interest is another housing opportunity for students. It allows students to live in environments with other students who have similar interests. This can range from academic, social, cultural and other interests. This is often where sorority and fraternity houses come into play. Typically, special housing options are for upperclassmen, but not limited too.
Madelyn Patton, a senior at Blackman High School, states “I can’t wait to begin living my college lifestyle. I’ll be living in the dorms this year, then a sorority house next year. The different housing options, especially on campus, provides for a fantastic way to get plugged in outside of class.” Patton believes all college housing options provide experiences you can’t find off campus as easily.
Off-campus housing is another living option. Many times, students whose college is close to their family’s home or parents’ home may choose to take advantage of living at home and saving money. Other times, juniors and seniors in college may choose to live in an apartment or house on their own or with friends to begin exploring a more adult lifestyle.
There are many different options when it comes to college housing. It is important to be educated on each of the options. Prospective students should call the colleges specific to them to learn more about their housing options.
