College Housing Guide: Bowdoin, Scripps, Washington and Lee, High Point, and WashU #dormtour

Before your student chooses a college, you need to take a closer look at the dorms. These 5 schools are rated highest for campus housing.

Students spend a lot of time in their dorms, so residence halls, room options, study spaces, laundry, lounges, and location can affect their daily college experience.

At number five is Bowdoin College in Maine. First-year students live in one of eight residence halls on the central campus. Upperclass students can live in College Houses or apartment-style housing, so the housing options change as students get older.

Number four is Scripps College in Claremont, California. The residence halls at Scripps feel more like old California homes than standard dorm buildings, with courtyards, gardens, shared living rooms, and historic architecture throughout campus.

Number three is Washington and Lee University in Virginia. First-year students are required to live on campus, and many students continue living in university housing after that. Housing options can include traditional residence halls, apartments, townhouses, Greek housing, and themed housing.

Number two is High Point University in North Carolina. High Point is known for residence halls with a lot of amenities. Students may find suite-style rooms, apartment-style living, study areas, laundry, internet, and other features that make campus housing feel more comfortable.

At number one is Washington University in St. Louis. WashU’s first-year and sophomore students live in an area called the South 40, which feels like a student neighborhood. It includes modern and traditional residence halls, dining, fitness spaces, meeting rooms, recreation areas, music practice rooms, and campus eateries.

When families tour colleges, dorms should not be an afterthought. Ask what housing looks like for first-year students, whether bathrooms are shared or suite-style, how close the dorms are to dining and classes, and what students have access to inside their residential area.

So when families tour a college, ask to see the dorms, not just the academic buildings. Housing can affect a student’s routine, comfort, and day-to-day experience.

If your student is comparing colleges and trying to find the right campus fit, reach out to us.

Let College Help Squad be a part of your process.