Dormitory facts for kids
A dormitory, often called a dorm or residence hall, is a building or a large room that provides sleeping and living spaces for many people. You'll often find dorms at boarding schools, colleges, and universities, where students live while they study. They are designed to house a large number of people, usually students, providing them with a place to sleep, study, and relax.
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What is a Dormitory?
Dorms are special buildings where many students live together. They usually have many rooms, and students often share a room with one or more roommates. Besides bedrooms, dorms also have common areas like lounges, study rooms, and sometimes kitchens or dining halls. These shared spaces help students meet new friends and build a community.
Who Lives in Dorms?
Most commonly, dorms are home to students.
- College and University Students: Many students live in dorms during their first year or throughout their time at college. It's a popular choice because it's convenient and helps them feel connected to campus life.
- Boarding School Students: Younger students who attend boarding schools also live in dorms. These dorms often have staff members, like "dorm parents," who look after the students.
- Other Uses: Sometimes, dorms are used for other groups, like workers at a remote job site or athletes training together.
What's it Like to Live in a Dorm?
Living in a dorm is a unique experience.
- Roommates: You'll likely share a room with someone else. This can be a great way to make new friends and learn to share space.
- Shared Spaces: Dorms have common bathrooms, laundry rooms, and lounges. These are places where you can hang out, study, or just relax with others.
- Community: One of the best parts of dorm life is the strong sense of community. You're surrounded by people your age who are going through similar experiences. Many dorms organize events and activities to help residents get to know each other.
- Rules: Dorms have rules to ensure everyone can live comfortably and safely. These rules might cover quiet hours, guest policies, and how to keep common areas tidy.
Why Live in a Dorm?
There are many good reasons why students choose to live in dorms.
- Convenience: Dorms are usually located very close to classes, libraries, and other campus facilities. This makes it easy to get around and participate in campus activities.
- Building Friendships: Living with many other students makes it easy to meet new people and form lasting friendships. It's a great way to build a social network.
- Support System: Many dorms have resident advisors (RAs) or other staff members who are there to help students adjust to dorm life, answer questions, and offer support.
- Learning Independence: For many students, living in a dorm is their first time living away from home. It's a chance to learn important life skills like managing their time, budgeting, and living with others.
- Safety: Dorms often have security measures in place, like controlled access and staff on duty, which can make them a safe living environment for students.
Images for kids
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Broward Hall, at the University of Florida
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Chapter Spitalfields in London, England, is the third tallest student accommodation building in the world.
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Gamertsfelder Hall, at Ohio University, on East Green
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Residential colleges at Washington University in St. Louis
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Paschl Hall at Arlington State College, circa 1950s
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Dormitory in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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Connaught Hall, London, a University of London hall of residence
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A seminary dormitory in Vagharshapat, Armavir Province, Armenia
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Dormitory of Nanjing Shanghai Meishan Company in China
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Dormitory at The Armidale School, New South Wales, 1898
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High school dormitory in Sabah, Malaysia
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