Being a senior carries some unique responsibilities, as seniors begin to make preparations for the post high school life. For those students that choose to attend college, one of the most important tasks to handle is the process of finding a dorm. This process varies from college to college. Some colleges utilize a lottery system for housing, while other colleges use a first come, first serve approach. Today we will be taking a closer look at the process.

Dorms are very important because they are where students will live during their Freshman year of college. Dorms are organized into many different types. Dorm style, bathroom situation, air conditioning or lack thereof, and price are all determining factors that differentiate dorms. Some students prioritize comfort, while some may prioritize the dorm’s proximity to locations on campus such as classes or dining facilities. These choices allow students lots of flexibility compared to high school.

Cohen Paxton is a graduate of RCHS and is a freshman at Coastal Carolina University. He shared his thought process behind choosing his dorm.

“I am in a suite style dorm. This means that I have a roommate in our own room, however we also have three other rooms in the suite along with a shared living space. It has been a good living experience because we all have become good friends and use the shared space to watch sports,” said Paxton.

While suite style living has become popular in recent years, some students still prefer the more traditional hall style. This is where you simply have one roommate and one room in a long hall. This eliminates the stress of having to find suitemates, however there is rarely a private bathroom in this style of dorm.

Emma Bates is a graduate of RCHS and a freshman at West Virginia University. She spoke about her experience this year in a hall style dorm.

“I have really enjoyed my hall style dorm. My roommate and I have become very close and we have made other friends in the hall. Our dorm is also newly built and very modern,” said Bates.

Many members of the 2024 graduating class will be going through this process in the coming months. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, it is important to utilize all the resources available to make the housing process as streamlined as possible.