There are lots of misperceptions and stereotypes that come to mind when people think of college dorms. At Louisiana Tech University, we want to be upfront with you about your living options.

Frankly, we hear the same sentiment from students who’ve lived in dorms. That is, it’s some of the most fun and memorable times they’ve experienced in college. A common concern among students is rooming with someone they don’t know; but, many “potluck” roommates have been known to become best friends. The fact is you’ll become friends with everyone in your hall.

You can study for tests with someone in your dorm who is taking the same class. You can compete on your dorm’s intramural sports teams. Also, on weekends, you can attend the football or basketball games with your new friends.

Resident Assistants (RAs) are located on each floor of every dorm. RAs are very friendly and willing to help with any of your needs as a first-time freshman. RAs hold special programs, such as movie nights, for socializing. By living on campus, you make friends with students who you might not meet otherwise.

Besides the social life, there are a number of logistical advantages to on-campus living. The dorms are much closer to the classroom buildings than off-campus apartments. This means that you only have to leave your room a few minutes before class. Commuters must leave much earlier to compensate for driving and parking. Also, commuter lots are on the outskirts of campus. On-campus students are guaranteed a parking spot near their residence hall.

Students living on campus are more informed about Tech events. Flyers are posted all over the hall to advertise upcoming activities. Housing also has its own television channel in the dorms. The Tech Information Channel (TIC) not only offers information about our university’s activities, but also plays recent movies and provides unique programming. For example, the Office of Housing has its own version of the MTV show “Cribs” where you can watch proud Tech students show off their dorm rooms. On-campus residents are also highlighted in the Dawgtown, a weekly newsletter published by the RAs.

Non-commuting students must live in the dorms until they have earned 80 credit hours. At this time, students can choose whether they want to remain on campus or apply to live off campus. Either way, Tech students benefit from the time they spend living in the dorms.