Dormitories are types of student housing, sometimes referred to as a residence hall, offered by higher learning institutions.

Dorms are usually large buildings divided up into several rooms to accommodate college students. These are generally small and have just enough room for a few beds and study desks along with a couple of small pieces of furniture. Though what’s included in a dormitory will vary from one university or college to the other, almost all offer some basic furnishings and storage, at the least, like a bed, chair, desk, and closet space. Sometimes, dorms may even include additional storage space, extra lighting, and/or a rug.

Unlike hotel rooms, most dormitories don’t have their own bathrooms. Typically, each floor in a dorm will have one or two bathrooms, which all the students living on that floor will share. These common bathrooms tend to have multiple toilets, showers, and sinks. However, some dorm rooms called “suites” may share a bathroom with the next-door room.

Unlike apartments, there aren’t any kitchens in most dormitories. Students staying in a dorm typically eat together in a big cafeteria, either in the same building or another building close by. However, dorm residents often have small appliances, like electric kettles, toasters, etc., which help them prepare snacks and appease their late-night hunger pangs (or the ones that struck at some other time) without leaving their rooms.

Today, the amenities on offer in dorms often act as a key decisive factor for students while choosing a college/university (after they have considered its academics, faculty, and career services). Thus, US dorms have come a long way from their white cinderblock days. From renovated and new buildings to several student-friendly amenities like free tea and coffee, gaming rooms, Wi-Fi access, study lounges, common areas for watching TV or hanging out, coin-operated laundry facilities, and more, dorms are designed in a student-friendly manner these days.

When it comes to the housing styles, types of dorms students may have to choose from could include: