How do dorms work in American colleges?

Dorms in American colleges are like your first mini crash course in independence. Most students live in shared rooms with one or more roommates, usually grouped by year or housing theme. You’ll get a bed, a desk, a closet, and just enough space to accidentally trip over your shoes daily. Bathrooms? Yep, you’re sharing with the whole floor, so get used to shower caddies and wearing flip-flops like a pro. Laundry usually runs on a schedule, so snagging a machine on Sunday night is basically a sport. Many dorms come with communal lounges, study nooks, and game rooms where friendships are formed over late-night snacks and questionable board game rules. You’ll also meet the Resident Assistant, or RA, who’s kind of like your dorm’s unofficial big sibling. They plan movie nights, answer your questions, and politely remind everyone that blasting music at 2 a.m. is not a vibe. It may not be luxury living, but it’s loud, lively, and a huge part of the college adventure.