Editorial

College dorms gaining cachet

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Sorority, fraternity or other off-campus college students who used to deride "dormies" are now finding themselves on the outside.

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it's at the point where about a quarter of all students are crowding into the dorms and officials are setting up beds for about 150 kids in student lounges, according to a story by The Associated Press.

There's no shortage of off-campus housing, and freshmen younger than 19 have to live in approved housing, such as residence halls or Greek houses, unless they have special permission to live with a nearby relative.

Have today's 18-year-olds suddenly become enamored of institutional living?

Not really. The dorm open to today's freshman is nothing like the one his or her parents remember. At Lincoln, old rooms have been updated so that two students live in space formerly occupied by three, and the apartment-type units have living rooms, full kitchens and up to four separate bedrooms. And, instead of standing in a cafeteria line, students enjoy what's called "market-style" dining, with food stations offering items like made-to-order omelets.

Mid Plains Community College, with one new dorm in North Platte, and newer or remodeled dorms in McCook, lists other advantages for dorm living on its Web site:

* Educational programs and academic support right on site.

* Social and cultural activities.

* High-speed Internet access right in the dorm, and basic cable at no extra charge.

* Convenient access to the library, student union, gym and fitness workout rooms as well as classroom buildings.

* A sense of commmunity with hallmates and friends across campus.

Add in the price of gasoline for potential commuters on an always-tight college student budget, and we can see why the dorms are becoming so popular.

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