Has anyone felt disappointed by the dorm?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm a foreigner who has never had to live in a dorm (students either commute from home or rent apartments), and I do not encourage my kids to apply somewhere with a high risk of getting a tiny dysfunctional space. My oldest just moved into a nice single at GW... the doubles are a bit cramped, but the dorms are overall on the nicer side - renovated, A/C, amenities, etc. I am NOT paying these American prices for my kids to get poor quality sleep for 4 years. Comfort matters. And we live in a tiny, old house! But it's still comfortable and well laid-out.

I entirely reject the notion that discomfort is "part of the college experience". Not at those prices.

Couldn't agree with you more.

+1,000.

The cramped quarters into which the furniture barely fits, particularly if you don’t want the (dangerous) lofted bed with the desk ideally positioned to ram the student’s head against the metal bed frame when they stand up; the inadequate bathroom facilities; and the general run-downness are outrageous. Sure, people suck it up, because that is what you have to do to go to the college you otherwise want, but to excuse predatory university practices by calling them “the experience” or a “rite of passage” is preposterous. Universities have been compelled by consumer demand to accommodate all sorts of things — allergies, disabilities, learning differences, gender and sexual identities, to note only a few. How can they still be getting away with grossly overpriced and inadequate housing, not to mention (at least in many places) genuinely mediocre food at premium prices?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DD lived in a dorm with mold the entire year despite numerous calls to maintenance. She was always congested and sick with various symptoms and fine once she was home during school breaks. I understand about the small quarters, lack of closet space, etc., etc., however, mold should NOT be tolerated. This year, she lives in on-campus apt. with several other people and noticed mold as soon as she arrived. For the price of housing, this should be addressed especially for students with a hx of asthma and breathing issues.

What school? (This does not ID your child)

It could be any college, is the point.

[Anonymous]

There are so many things about college adjustment that are totally alien to me, since I was extremely independent. Cinderblock dorm room? No worries, at least I had my freedom. Shared bathroom? I had 4 brothers, so NBD. If you want your kid to be self-sufficient then let them deal with the dorms themselves. They’ll adjust and learn to deal. Unless you plan on subsidizing their living expenses for a decade, they will have many more small and crowded and old accomodations to come. And you knoenwhat? It’s FUN. Who among us didn’t live in a crazy group house? Live on a shoestring in an expensive, vibrant city? And if your kid aspires to a nicer home then well - great opportunity for them to set their sights on a career that will let them afford that sooner than later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm a foreigner who has never had to live in a dorm (students either commute from home or rent apartments), and I do not encourage my kids to apply somewhere with a high risk of getting a tiny dysfunctional space. My oldest just moved into a nice single at GW... the doubles are a bit cramped, but the dorms are overall on the nicer side - renovated, A/C, amenities, etc. I am NOT paying these American prices for my kids to get poor quality sleep for 4 years. Comfort matters. And we live in a tiny, old house! But it's still comfortable and well laid-out.

I entirely reject the notion that discomfort is "part of the college experience". Not at those prices.

Couldn't agree with you more.

+1,000.

The cramped quarters into which the furniture barely fits, particularly if you don’t want the (dangerous) lofted bed with the desk ideally positioned to ram the student’s head against the metal bed frame when they stand up; the inadequate bathroom facilities; and the general run-downness are outrageous. Sure, people suck it up, because that is what you have to do to go to the college you otherwise want, but to excuse predatory university practices by calling them “the experience” or a “rite of passage” is preposterous. Universities have been compelled by consumer demand to accommodate all sorts of things — allergies, disabilities, learning differences, gender and sexual identities, to note only a few. How can they still be getting away with grossly overpriced and inadequate housing, not to mention (at least in many places) genuinely mediocre food at premium prices?

wahhh how will your child survive without sushi for lunch???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I'm a foreigner who has never had to live in a dorm (students either commute from home or rent apartments), and I do not encourage my kids to apply somewhere with a high risk of getting a tiny dysfunctional space. My oldest just moved into a nice single at GW... the doubles are a bit cramped, but the dorms are overall on the nicer side - renovated, A/C, amenities, etc. I am NOT paying these American prices for my kids to get poor quality sleep for 4 years. Comfort matters. And we live in a tiny, old house! But it's still comfortable and well laid-out.

I entirely reject the notion that discomfort is "part of the college experience". Not at those prices.

Couldn't agree with you more.

+1,000.

The cramped quarters into which the furniture barely fits, particularly if you don’t want the (dangerous) lofted bed with the desk ideally positioned to ram the student’s head against the metal bed frame when they stand up; the inadequate bathroom facilities; and the general run-downness are outrageous. Sure, people suck it up, because that is what you have to do to go to the college you otherwise want, but to excuse predatory university practices by calling them “the experience” or a “rite of passage” is preposterous. Universities have been compelled by consumer demand to accommodate all sorts of things — allergies, disabilities, learning differences, gender and sexual identities, to note only a few. How can they still be getting away with grossly overpriced and inadequate housing, not to mention (at least in many places) genuinely mediocre food at premium prices?

Maybe you should look into the NIMBY policies that you probably support for your own SFH to understand why it can be hard for universities to build new housing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dorms are usually spartan and lackluster. If possible it can be helpful to move out of dorms after 1-2 years.

But what's not acceptable is any kind of genuine health or safety concern - mold, exposed wiring, etc.

+1 DD just moved into a dorm and it is pretty much the same as the dorm I had 30 years ago. Basic but enough room, hall style with shared bathroom. No AC in room but common areas do have it. It's fine, she was happy with it. DS was a freshman a couple years ago and had a nicer dorm -- suite with 4 students - 2 per bedroom + a living area and shared bathroom -- but I don't like suites for freshman because, IMO and his experience, you don't meet as many people.

[Anonymous]

This is the same mindset that leaves people to believe their college grads should never live at a standard of living less than their cushy umc life - buying them expensive condos and then houses, expensive cars etc.. gives the child no sense of accomplishment to build their lives their own way - also there is an aesthetic side to some of the better and more academic NE colleges where if it was too cushy it would go against the grain and tradition. Didn't OP look at the school when they applied?

[Anonymous]

I think it's great. Helps them understand the real world, instead of their pampered upper class childhoods.
Hopefully it helps motivate them to get out of their room to meet people and study hard, so they get a job that pays enough to afford a proper apartment someday.
A little discomfort is good for growth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the same mindset that leaves people to believe their college grads should never live at a standard of living less than their cushy umc life - buying them expensive condos and then houses, expensive cars etc.. gives the child no sense of accomplishment to build their lives their own way - also there is an aesthetic side to some of the better and more academic NE colleges where if it was too cushy it would go against the grain and tradition. Didn't OP look at the school when they applied?

+1

Have to agree. Parents who have such strong opinions about the college accommodations should be choosing their kid's college based on the dorms. Tell them they can only apply to those schools where you approve of the dorms. Period. This should be interesting - I will get the popcorn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are so many things about college adjustment that are totally alien to me, since I was extremely independent. Cinderblock dorm room? No worries, at least I had my freedom. Shared bathroom? I had 4 brothers, so NBD. If you want your kid to be self-sufficient then let them deal with the dorms themselves. They’ll adjust and learn to deal. Unless you plan on subsidizing their living expenses for a decade, they will have many more small and crowded and old accomodations to come. And you knoenwhat? It’s FUN. Who among us didn’t live in a crazy group house? Live on a shoestring in an expensive, vibrant city? And if your kid aspires to a nicer home then well - great opportunity for them to set their sights on a career that will let them afford that sooner than later.

I lived in a tiny studio apartment. As a happy introvert, that's much more appealing than living in a "crazy group house." Though at least in a crazy group house (as opposed to college dorm) you'd presumably have your own bedroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's great. Helps them understand the real world, instead of their pampered upper class childhoods.
Hopefully it helps motivate them to get out of their room to meet people and study hard, so they get a job that pays enough to afford a proper apartment someday.
A little discomfort is good for growth.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's great. Helps them understand the real world, instead of their pampered upper class childhoods.
Hopefully it helps motivate them to get out of their room to meet people and study hard, so they get a job that pays enough to afford a proper apartment someday.
A little discomfort is good for growth.

Where in the "real world" do people share a bedroom with a stranger?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are so many things about college adjustment that are totally alien to me, since I was extremely independent. Cinderblock dorm room? No worries, at least I had my freedom. Shared bathroom? I had 4 brothers, so NBD. If you want your kid to be self-sufficient then let them deal with the dorms themselves. They’ll adjust and learn to deal. Unless you plan on subsidizing their living expenses for a decade, they will have many more small and crowded and old accomodations to come. And you knoenwhat? It’s FUN. Who among us didn’t live in a crazy group house? Live on a shoestring in an expensive, vibrant city? And if your kid aspires to a nicer home then well - great opportunity for them to set their sights on a career that will let them afford that sooner than later.

I lived in a tiny studio apartment. As a happy introvert, that's much more appealing than living in a "crazy group house." Though at least in a crazy group house (as opposed to college dorm) you'd presumably have your own bedroom.

well great- you were motivated to be able to afford the studio and deal with the small space.

[Anonymous]

wow, this thread makes me even more glad that DC ended up at the state flagship in the honors program with merit. New dorms with a/c. I think they court the really high stats kids with the new dorms.

I would also be mad if I was paying $80K per year for crappy dorms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's great. Helps them understand the real world, instead of their pampered upper class childhoods.
Hopefully it helps motivate them to get out of their room to meet people and study hard, so they get a job that pays enough to afford a proper apartment someday.
A little discomfort is good for growth.

Where in the "real world" do people share a bedroom with a stranger?

camp?