According to the Los Angeles Times, the rising cost of tuition at many universities is pushing a larger number of students towards the more affordable degree pathways provided by community colleges. Given these increasing enrollment numbers, many community colleges are looking for ways to accommodate the growing ranks of students, and dormitories are becoming a popular solution.
- Convenience – Being able to live in close proximity to campus provides great convenience for attending class, partaking in study sessions, and participating in extracurricular activities. In addition, most dorm fees already include electricity, internet access, and other utilities, which give you fewer bills to manage each month.
- Friendships – Living in a community college dormitory gives you the opportunity to meet many friends and companions, and given a large number of residents, you will likely never be lonely.
- College Experience – For some students, being able to live in a dorm completes the entire college experience.
Subsequently, those who support community college dorms argue that on-campus living options increase the campus' appeal, attracting more students. For example, Sierra Community College, located near Sacramento, California, has created housing that caters to the unique needs of its diverse student population. Through its extensive dormitory services, the school has drawn in more international students from countries like Canada and Japan. In addition to all of the features essential for daily life, Sierra extends their dorms’ comforts by providing residents with a meal card that can be used at local restaurants surrounding the campus.
This video offers a look at your housing options at community college.
- Roommate Issues – If you have a roommate that does not mesh well with your personality or lifestyle, this can cause conflict and problems in your living environment.
- Lack of Privacy – As with any communal living situation, there is a lack of privacy in dorm life, especially if you share bathrooms with all of your floormates. In addition, there is usually always noise and a flurry of activity that can distract you from your studies.
- Mandatory Move-Outs – Many dormitories are not open during school breaks, such as spring break or winter break, and therefore, you will not be able to live in the dorms during these times.