Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

   

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives department has put together a collection of photos showing how student housing in the US has changed over the past 110 years.

 
This woman’s dorm room from 1898 isn’t much different from modern day dorms: Pennants, books, and a chair for studying.
 
Photographs and mementos kept things homey in this room, 1899.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

 
A dorm room in old Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1899.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

 
Male students raised a glass in a boarding house or fraternity, 1909.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

 
Male students room in boarding house or fraternity, 1909.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Man sitting in boarding house or fraternity house room reading. Pinups and other decorations on south wall, 1912.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Young student sleeping in a men's boarding house or fraternity house room, ca. 1912.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

ca. 1912-1913.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

An ad for a room in 1927 noted perks like running water, a phone, and an iron.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

This single dorm room from the 1930s appeared to be filled with souvenirs from exotic adventures.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Students studied on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm, ca. 1945.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Single men's living quarters, bunks and linens furnished, rent $13/person/month, No smoking. ca. 1945.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

The university had separate housing for married students and families, ca. 1946.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Students studied around a communal table, ca. 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Just a bunch of guys hanging out, eating melon, ca. 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

A record party with Elizabeth Waters Hall residents, ca. 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Two women in room in Holt Dormitory, 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

A guy studying in dorm room, ca. 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Two women sitting in mock-up dorm room in Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1950s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Man playing guitar by Christmas tree while two others listen/sing; pictures of Russian buildings on window and Russian text reading "Merry Christmas," December 1958.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Student dormatory room, ca. 1960s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Residence hall room., 1963.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Married student housing, ca. 1960s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Students playing foosball by Budweiser sign, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Double room, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Double room, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Single room, complete with a lofted bed, hanging chair, and dreamcatcher, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Single room, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Two women talking in dorm room in Ogg East, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Triple Room, ca. 1970s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Student "bar" in dorm room, ca. 1970-1980.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

TVs started appearing in dorm rooms, distracting students everywhere, 1983.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Students in dorm room, ca. 1980s.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

ca. 1980s

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Residence Hall room, 1986.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

A dorm room in 1987.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Students studying in their residence hall den, May 1996.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

Residents in Slichter Hall playing Cranium, 2005.

Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

 
Man and woman chat in dorm room in Sellery Hall, 2008.