Dorms Go Luxe

There was a time when the university dorm was the great equalizer. It didn't matter if you were on a scholarship or a trust fund. You still had to put up with communal bathrooms, florescent light, windows that didn't open, cinder-block construction.

Things have changed. To start, don't call them dorms. Now they're residence halls, and the archetypal cramped room has morphed into a suite, bringing with it once-unimaginable amenities. If parents don't understand why it's taking so long to finish that liberal arts degree, invite them over for dinner in your kitchen, complete with full-sized refrigerator, dishwasher and granite counter top. They won't want to leave either.

Need a break from that mind-numbing statistics reading? Take a dip in the junior Olympic-sized pool or hop onto the treadmill in the 24-hour gym, followed by a session in the tanning salon. Not your style? Plop on a Herman Miller chair and watch "Entourage" on the 72-inch plasma TV in the lounge.

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Comments

[bluegrasstafarian]

Actually, I'm sitting in my cramped, cluttered archetypal dormroom right now (cinder-block white walls included) without A/C. I didn't know these luxe dorms even existed - at least they're not at Appalachian State. Well, at least the rich kids get to bypass the great equalizer of hairy roommates, bunkbed sex, and all the wonder sights, smells and sounds we could otherwise do without.

[ming099]

...late 80's early 90's I was employed by a small thermoplastics compounder who had a thing for diplomaed Asians....(because he could get them for a song)....many of them were smart ....they came and stayed with the company just long enough to become somewhat proficient in English...then moved on to bigger and better things........those who didnt pan out got a free ride back across the water.....

[Potomacker]

I see this as one more example of the US becoming more like China. China cranks out more degreed students than it can ever absorb, an entire nation of diploma wielding simpletons who lack basic academic skills. Dormitory fees are compulsory. They are simply counted on as part of the institutional cashflow. A wealthy student can however pay an extra fee and reside in a room with 4 and not the standard 6 students. Years ago they crammed eight to a room. The kicker is that the students are guaranteed a diploma when they sign up at a school. 100% graduation rates in these institutions draw students in by droves. Even if they cannot get in legitimately, bribery and forged acceptance letters are just part of their educational path.
When I last spoke with a US university professor, he explained to me about the increased number of calls that he received from parents advocating on behalf of their own children's grades. How much longer before the school administrators simply institutionalize such advocacy in the name of guaranteeing a diploma for all types, the scholarly and the dimwitted brats of lawyers and well connected elites?

[kellygrrrl]

God, I wish my kids would disappear so I could go back to college.
just kidding
kinda

[realitycheck7]

screw the LAtimes I don't want to register just to read their article

[kellygrrrl]

yeah, the LA Times is ever so slowly but surely becoming the OC Register Lite

[coastalcarla]

And people wonder why our young people today have an "entitlement" problem. What happened to the term "starving student"? A little hardship builds character. These kids coming out of places like that are just going to be useless, unless everything goes their way. Completely unable to cope with anything outside their comfort zone.

[Kyra Vivian]

I thought people had to WORK to live the good life, not have it handed to them by "educational institutions" and spend the rest of their lives paying through the nose to afford those same luxuries!

Way to encourage irresponsible spending! Way to confuse "wants" with "needs"! Is this one of the reasons why our nation seems to be bursting with overgrown children with a misguided sense of entitlement? Truly deplorable University of Delusion & Debt!

As an 8th generation American I can say, this country seriously needs a reality check.

[ThePhilosopher]

It should be kept in mind that students ARE paying for these amenities through increased tuition and on-campus housing costs. These types of amenities are likely one of the many reasons why so many students find themselves in massive debt upon graduation.

[Phranqlin]

No wonder college is so expensive.

[raker]

No wonder so many college students are spoiled, entitled, arrogant little twits.

[Bedo]

and when the draft comes, let's see who's crying to mommie and daddie to keep them safe in their little haven.