Some colleges have far better dorms than others.
Many college students choose or are required to live on campus for the first couple of semesters of their post-secondary academic career. Dormitories can be the first taste of freedom for young men and women preparing to build their future. But all dorms are not created equal. They range from dungeon like holes in the wall with barely enough space to breathe to more than adequate and almost luxurious accommodations that lure students to stay well beyond their required freshman residence. Some colleges and universities are known for having some of the best dorms in America.
Loyola Maryland
Loyola in Maryland is rated at the top of the campus housing list by the Student Hacker website. This Catholic university outside of Baltimore has a peaceful and beautifully landscaped campus that is just far enough away from the urban center of Baltimore to make you forget you are in a big city. Still, the city is convenient to the campus for those who wish to go out and explore. The Loyola dormitories are located very near many of the buildings where classes take place, meaning students can maximize their time relaxing as opposed to walking long distances or having to catch a campus bus to get where they need to go. And students typically don't mind having extra time to lounge in the dorms here. They are very large in comparison to typical dorm rooms and have walk in closets that are nearly as large as some dorm rooms at other colleges.
Pepperdine
Pepperdine University is a medium-sized college located in Malibu, California. This 830-acre campus is in one of California's most scenic and upscale regions. The 7,700 students enrolled at Pepperdine choose from education in one of the university's five schools, including a law school, a school of public policy and a business and management school. During downtime, on-campus residents at Pepperdine can relax at one of the top dorms in the nation. The dorms are special first and foremost because the windows look out onto what could be the nation's most beautiful campus. Just a short distance from the Pacific Ocean, the Pepperdine dorm atmosphere has been compared to a country club. Students enjoy large rooms, private baths and in some cases a working gas fireplace.
George Washington University
Known as one of the nation's most expensive universities, George Washington University in the middle of the District of Columbia was created by an act of Congress in 1821 as a place to educate the future leaders of the nation. While they are there, the students get to enjoy very nice accommodations during their studies. The spacious dorms at GWU are right in the middle of the city, just blocks from the center of the nation's political and lawmaking bodies. The rooms are large, often converted hotel rooms or apartments, and they include maid service. With so much happening around the neighborhood, no one wants to spend their time cleaning the room.
Smith College
The Campus Grotto website ranked Smith College's dormitories as the best in the nation. Smith College is among the country's largest women's colleges. Located in Northampton, Massachusetts, this school of just over 2,500 students boasts dorms that include incredibly large community areas and lots of amenities as well as classic architecture that makes students feel they are sharing a mansion as opposed to renting a room. The dorms are also quite secluded in many areas, located a full 10-minute walk from the nearest classroom building. But there is a free shuttle bus to take students where they need to go.
Tags: Smith College, dorm rooms, George Washington, George Washington University, Loyola Maryland
