So, you’ve made it to your senior year of high school…congrats! Between juggling classes, college applications and maybe a part-time job, you’re probably also thinking about what your first year of college is going to look like. One of the biggest parts of that? First-year housing.

Whether you’ve already done some college dorm room tours or you’re still wondering what “suite-style” means, let’s break down what living on campus as a first-year student is really like, and what you should know before move-in day next summer.

What Is First-Year Housing, Exactly?

Most colleges have specific dorms or residence halls reserved just for first-year students. These are typically where you’ll meet your first college friends, join late-night study sessions and maybe discover how little sleep a human can actually handle.

Schools often have first-year housing requirements—meaning you have to live on campus your first year. This helps you settle into campus life, make friends and get used to being independent without jumping straight into adulting (like paying rent or fixing a leaky sink).

At schools like Northwest Nazarene University, first-year students are required to live on campus unless they meet certain exceptions. Trust me, though, it’s not a bad deal. Living on campus makes it so much easier to get to class, join events and grab a coffee at The Bean, NNU’s coffee shop, without needing a car.

Living on Campus vs. Off Campus: The Real Talk

Here’s the quick version:

• Living on campus = convenience, community and built-in support. You’re right near the dining hall, library and your classes.
• Living off campus = independence and privacy, but more responsibility (think bills, groceries and commuting).

As a first-year student, you’ll benefit from the “living on campus” experience. You’ll have resident assistants (RAs) around to answer questions, host movie nights and make sure you’re not microwaving metal (yes, it happens).

Plus, there’s something special about late-night hallway conversations, spontaneous pizza runs and learning to coexist with a roommate who has very different sleep habits.

The Benefits of Living on Campus

There’s a reason colleges encourage students to stay in dorms their first year. Here’s what you gain from it:

• Instant community: Dorms make it easy to meet people and form friendships, some might even last a lifetime.
• Better grades: Students who live on campus their first year often perform better academically. You’re just closer to everything: study groups, professors and tutoring centers.
• Less stress: No need to worry about paying separate bills or figuring out transportation.
• Opportunities galore: When you live on campus, you’re right in the middle of everything: clubs, sports, campus jobs and all the random fun stuff that makes college memorable.

A Peek Inside: What to Expect from a College Dorm

If you’ve watched a few college dorm room tour videos on YouTube or TikTok, you’ve probably seen everything from tiny double rooms to surprisingly nice suite-style setups.

Most dorms for first-year students are pretty simple. Two beds, two desks and a shared closet. You’ll likely share a bathroom with either a few suitemates or the whole floor (depends on the college). But the simplicity is part of the fun! You’ll get creative decorating your space and learn the fine art of making ramen at 2:00 a.m.

Tips Before You Move In

• Communicate with your roommate early. Decide who’s bringing what: mini fridge, microwave, etc.
• Pack light. Dorms are cozy (read: small).
• Get involved. Attend dorm events and talk to people, even if it feels awkward at first.

Final Thoughts

Your first-year housing experience is about more than just where you sleep. It’s about starting fresh: learning, growing and building community. Whether you’re at a big state school or a smaller campus like Northwest Nazarene University, dorm life will shape your first-year story in amazing ways.

So, take a deep breath. You’re about to make memories that’ll stick with you long after you move out.