On campus housing has pleasantly evolved over the years from the smallest of dorm rooms and suites to campus apartments and even shared housing.
Nothing quite compares to a dormitory experience, now sometimes referred to as residence halls. Having a roommate is part of the experience, but in some cases and often for an additional fee, private rooms are available. The dorm is your sleeping headquarters with a shared shower and restroom on your hall. Sometimes dorms are coed, meaning men and women live in the building, but they are often separated by floors. Many times dormitories are designated all girls or all boys with strict rules about visitation.
Dorms are typically located in close proximity to the classroom buildings on campus. Dorms provide convenience in getting to and from your classes. They are especially convenient for freshmen who are often not allowed to have a car on campus their first year. Check with your university to see what rules apply.
While the dorm may not be the greatest form of housing, there are campus amenities that become a huge attraction on today’s modern college campuses. A full service campus cafeteria with ancillary campus eateries are a huge attraction to many college students. State of the art gymnasiums with workout rooms, technology labs and media centers, free campus tutoring, bookstores and mini-marts are often found on university campuses across North Carolina. These amenities make campus life a very attractive option.
In addition to all the bells and whistles of dorm life, living in a dorm helps students forge new friendships that will often be cultivated through the commonality of the dorm experience that very important first year of college.
Other on campus options include suites and on campus apartments. Even shared campus housing is available in some instances.
Check with the residence life department of your university to determine what is available and request a tour so you can see your options first hand. This will help take some of the guesswork out of where you may end up living.
Once you are accepted at a university, you will have to apply separately for housing. Be sure to do this rather early in your application process as many campus housing options fill up quicky.
