3 min readWhen you think of a college dorm, your mind probably goes to communal bathrooms, tiny shared bedrooms, and simple furniture consisting of two lofted twin XL beds, matching desks, and double wardrobes. And though these spaces can be completely transformed with a little TLC (or a lot), some students are lucky enough to live in the best college campus dorms from the jump. Think high ceilings, roomy layouts, oversize windows looking out to the gorgeous campus, and even high-end touches.
We’ve rounded up a collection of eight college campus dorms that truly stand out from the rest in the U.S. Whether you’re looking just for fun or want to see if your university made the cut, keep scrolling to find out.
Additional copy by Meghan Shouse.
Northeastern University in Massachusetts
At Northeastern University, you might be able to secure a corner room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Not only would you have access to ample natural light, but the views beyond (especially the colorful foliage in the fall!) complete the idyllic collegiate setting in Boston. All you’d need to bring are cozy blankets and pillows!
The University of Miami in Florida
The University of Miami’s Centennial Village is the result of a multiyear plan to modernize campus housing. Along with brand-new finishes and furniture, the buildings are packed with amenities. There are study areas, music practice rooms, a meditation room, outdoor terraces, and a massive dining hall with high ceilings. This blue-and-white room with rattan accents in a U Miami apartment serves serious inspiration for dorm decorating.
High Point University in North Carolina
Upperclassmen and graduate students have the option to live in High Point University’s Panther Commons, which cost a cool $95 million to build and first opened its doors in August 2023. The rooms come with full-size beds and what’s practically a mini kitchen with a full-size refrigerator and microwave. In the private bathrooms, the circular mirrors have built-in lighting, and the showers have glass doors (no risk of moldy curtains there!). Beyond the dorms, campus housing also includes tiny homes.
Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri
Students who have attended Wash U are particularly fond of the memory foam mattresses in the dorms. But beyond the beds, first- and second-year student dorms are located in South 40. Described as a "small town" by the university, South 40 has its own fitness center, dining facilities, technology center, meeting rooms, intramural sports fields, basketball and sand volleyball courts, recreation and game rooms, music practice rooms, and more.
Fordham University in New York
Fordham has a range of dorms for practically every preference. There are dorms that have big windows with New York City skyline views located near Lincoln Center. Lodging on the Bronx main campus will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a quaint, historic town. Some dorms even feature a charming spiral staircase that takes loft living to the next level (literally).
The University of California, Santa Barbara
A dorm room with a private bathroom is a rare find. At UC Santa Barbara, there are quad dorm rooms that have not only private bathrooms but also balconies with glass sliding doors. Imagine all of the delightful morning coffees occupants can have on those! And, perhaps most important, the rooms have multiple closets.
Harvard University in Massachusetts
Harvard’s entire housing system is perfect for dark academia lovers. First years live in Harvard Yard and dine in Annenberg Hall, which is seemingly straight out of Harry Potter thanks to its high ceilings, stained glass windows, and rows of chandeliers. Some of the dorms and suites feature exposed brick walls, decorative fireplaces, alcoves, and window seats for cozy reading sessions.
The University of Mississippi
There’s no dorm room that a cute headboard and colorful accents can’t fix. While the accommodations at Ole Miss are simple, they’re ideal for residents eager to put their personal touches all over them.
