Communal Bathrooms in Colleges?

Hey everybody, just want to clarify something. So, in most colleges, do they normally have communal bathrooms in dormitories? I don't know how I feel about that and it's something I want to consider when I'm applying. Thanks in advance!

Hello! It's a good question and something a lot of students consider when looking at housing options in college. Communal bathrooms are indeed common in college dormitories, particularly in traditional-style dorms or residence halls where a larger number of students (usually around 20-30) on the same floor share a communal bathroom.

However, as colleges continue evolving their housing infrastructure, there has been a trend toward suite-style and apartment-style living where four to six students share a bathroom within their own private unit. Some dorms even have private bathrooms tied to individual rooms, but these are not as common and tend to be more expensive.

Keep in mind that the availability of these different types of bathrooms varies greatly by college, so it's important to research the housing options at each school you're considering. You'll want to look at the specifics of each housing option, which schools typically provide on their websites. Different colleges have different housing arrangements so it will be essential to check this for each school.

Some students find that sharing a communal bathroom helps foster a sense of community, and many colleges do a good job of keeping them clean. That said, if you would be more comfortable with a private or semi-private bathroom, those options do exist at many colleges.

In terms of your applications, consider evaluating each school's housing policies and available living spaces just as you would any other aspect of campus life. It might not be the main determining factor of where you end up but it's definitely worth looking into when you're making your decisions.