A dorm – or dormitory – is a large multi-resident building that functions as a residence hall on a college campus or college-owned property. Dorm rooms typically house one or two students.
Apartments are individual living units in large multi-family housing buildings that are owned and operated by individual landlords, property management companies, or investment firms.
Generally, a dorm is a single room – often a small one – either with or without an attached bath. Apartments are usually more than one room and always have their own bathroom and kitchen area.
Some colleges require freshmen to live in dorms. In those cases, the only exceptions are students who can stay with a qualifying relative living in the area.
The all-inclusive pricing and on-campus location are incredibly convenient for students. Plus, dorms make it easy to get involved beyond academics, allowing students to fully appreciate the experience.
The main benefit of an apartment is privacy. Even with a roommate, they often have their own bedroom and may have a private bath, depending on what comes with the unit. It also comes with fewer rules.