Dos and Don’ts of Living in a Quad Dorm Room

Moving into the dorms for the first time is an exciting experience, especially if you’re sharing a room with another student. But what about when you’re living in a triple or even quad style dorm room? Needless to say, sharing one room with two or three other people has its challenges.

To help you have a successful college experience and enjoy a peaceful living situation this school year, here are some dos and don’ts for living in a quad (or triple) style dorm room, as well as some general college dorm room tips from the college storage and shipping experts at Collegeboxes.

What is a quad dorm?

A quad style dorm room – or quad dorm for short – is a single dorm shared by four students. Likewise, a triple dorm refers to a dorm shared by three students. In some cases, a quad dorm can refer to an apartment-style suite with two separate, shared bedrooms but one common living area.

Whether you live in a quad or triple dorm will likely depend on your school. Some campus housing allows you to request the style of dorm you live in. Or, you may be assigned a dorm. In either case, if you find yourself in a triple or quad dorm this school year, it’s best to know what to expect ahead of time.

Quad dorm layout

The quad dorm layout usually includes a set of twin bunk beds, or single beds that can be raised to create more floor space. The room – which is usually larger than a double dorm – is shared between its residents equally. Likewise, the bathrooms and mess halls are shared by inhabitants of the entire building. Learning how to respectfully share your space with others will be key moving forward.

Quad dorm room dos and don’ts

Dos:

• Do stay organized: Space is limited, so keep your things organized and neat where you can. It’ll go a long way toward maximizing what space you have for you and roommates.
• Do be patient: Your roommates will do things that get on your nerves. As long as those quirks aren’t actively hurting anyone, try to be patient with them.
• Do take time away: When things become overwhelming, don’t hesitate to take time away from the dorm. The library or a nearby coffee shop are just a couple ideas.
• Do communicate: Your roommates are not mind readers. If you have an issue, communicate it respectfully. This means being open to respectful feedback as well.
• Do invest in privacy: You won’t always be able to get away, so invest in items like ear plugs, noise-cancelling headphones or even curtains to create a more private atmosphere.

Don’ts

• Don’t make assumptions: As in, don’t assume your roommate’s food or belongings are up for grabs; don’t assume they won’t mind if you listen to music without headphones, etc.
• Don’t be stubborn: It can be difficult, but if one of your roommates has some honest feedback about your living situation, be willing to hear them out and make changes if necessary.
• Don’t be “that person”: We’ve all heard roommate horror stories before. The last thing you want is to be the person your roommate tells stories about for years to come.
• Don’t be close minded: College is all about expanding your horizons and experiencing new things. If your roommate has different interests, keep an open mind. Or at the very least, be polite.
• Don’t be unwilling to compromise: You and your roommates may butt heads on occasion without a quick resolution. You may have to compromise, even if it means not getting your way.

Quad or triple college dorm moving

Whether you’re moving into a quad style dorm in the fall or out of one in the spring, Collegeboxes can make your dorm room move simple. With available options like Ship to School and Summer Storage and Shipping, Collegeboxes is the easy way to move to school. Sign up for Collegeboxes today.