Types of Dorms

In the summer before your first year at college, you may be asked if you want to live in a special dorm or on a special floor. Every school has different housing options, but here are some of the most common:

Single-Sex Dorms
Some colleges require all first-year students to live in a single-sex dorm. These types of dorms may have restrictions concerning guests of the opposite sex.

Chemical- or Substance-Free Dorms
These dorms prohibit smoking, drinking, and drugs. If this jibes with your lifestyle choices, you should consider living in one. The upside to substance-free dorms is that you don't have to worry about your roommate throwing a "kegger." However, be aware that the penalties for getting caught with alcohol or drugs in these dorms may be harsh.

Special-Interest or Theme Housing
At these dorms, you'll meet students who share your interests. For example, there may be a dorm for international students or music majors. One risk is that you may miss out on meeting a more diverse group of people.