How does housing work at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis?

I'm curious about the housing situation at the US Naval Academy. Do all students live on campus, or are there off-campus options? How are the dorms, and what's the overall living experience like?

At the US Naval Academy, all midshipmen (which is what students there are referred to) are required to live on campus within Bancroft Hall, one of the largest dormitory complexes in the world. This is not like your average college dorm though; Bancroft Hall is more similar to a military barracks. Each midshipman shares a small room with a roommate.

The rooms are intentionally kept simple and compact. They typically contain two desks, two lockers, two beds, and a shared washbasin. Community bathrooms are on the hallways. However, only the freshmen, or "plebes," as they're referred to, live in communal living. As they progress through their four years, they move into rooms with private or shared bathrooms.

Each company of midshipmen (about 150 students) has its own section of Bancroft Hall referred to as a "deck". Each deck contains sleeping quarters, study areas, wardrooms, and communal spaces. This setup encourages a sense of camaraderie and community within the companies.

Your experience living there will be very different from a typical college experience. There are many rules and regulations you will have to follow, including curfews and quiet hours, and it is not as relaxed as the typical college dormitory. But midshipmen often speak positively about the bonds they formed with their classmates during their time at Bancroft Hall.

In terms of off-campus housing, it's not an option for midshipmen. All midshipmen live at Bancroft Hall during their four years of study. The concept here is that it helps maintain the military lifestyle and discipline, which is an integral part of the Naval Academy experience.