You’ve picked your college (yay!), submitted your deposit, and now the next big question hits:

Where will you live your first year?

For many students, college housing is your first taste of independence—and where you live can shape your experience in a big way. That’s why doing a little research on your first-year housing options is a smart move.

Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy single, planning to bunk with a roommate, or wondering if communal bathrooms are as bad as the legends say (spoiler: they’re not that bad), here’s how to find your best fit.

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1. Start With the School’s Housing Website

Most colleges have detailed housing pages that include:

• Available residence halls for first-years
• Room types (single, double, triple, suite-style, etc.)
• Floor plans and photos
• Amenities (laundry, study lounges, AC, etc.)
• Costs for each option
• Dorm rules and policies

🧭 Pro Tip: Look for virtual tours or YouTube walk-throughs for a real-world view.

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2. Check Housing Requirements and Deadlines

Some schools guarantee housing for first-year students—others require it. Pay attention to:

• Housing application deadlines
• Whether you need to rank dorm preferences
• When roommate matching happens (or if you can pick your own)

⏰ Mark your calendar! Missing a deadline can limit your options.

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3. Understand Roommate Matching

Living with someone new can be exciting… or awkward. But colleges usually try to match students based on surveys or preferences.

Most forms ask about:

• Sleep schedule
• Study habits
• Tidiness
• Social vibe (quiet vs. outgoing)

🎯 Be honest on the survey. It’s not about finding your new BFF—it’s about finding someone you can live with peacefully.

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4. Consider the Dorm Location

Not all dorms are created equal when it comes to location. Some are:

• Closer to dining halls or class buildings
• Near the gym, library, or student center
• Part of “Living Learning Communities” based on shared interests or majors

🚶‍♀️ Ask yourself: Would I rather be in the middle of the action, or in a quieter spot?

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5. Find Real Student Opinions

Online forums like Reddit, College Confidential, or campus social media can give honest feedback about each dorm—both the pros and the cons.

🔍 Search things like:

• “[School name] dorm reviews”
• “Best freshman dorms at [school name]”
• “[Dorm name] Reddit”

👀 But take it with a grain of salt. Everyone’s experience is different.

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6. Think About Your Lifestyle Needs

Be realistic about your preferences:

• Light sleeper? A quieter dorm may be better.
• Need AC to survive? Make sure it’s available.
• Not a fan of shared bathrooms? Suite-style might be worth the extra cost.

It’s all about finding a space where you’ll feel comfortable.

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7. Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about something, call or email the housing office. They’ve answered every question under the sun—and they’re there to help you feel at home.

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Final Thought: It’s Not Forever—But It Matters

Your first-year housing is your launchpad. It’s where you’ll meet your first friends, study for midterms, and probably learn how to do laundry for the first time (sorry, it has to happen). While it’s not the only thing that shapes your college experience, picking the right dorm can make the transition a lot smoother.