<p>I am from the UK, I saw on the Caltech website, that</p>
<p>The cheapest dorms for a 38 week period (Sep 27th-June 15th) is $2246(3)+$1762(3) = $12024, which is around £7410.39. I think the dorm is catered, the cost per week is around £195.01.</p>
<p>Seems really expensive, was wondering if I got the cost wrong? Are all American Universities dorms this expensive? How do people afford this?</p>
<p>In the UK, the cheapest accommodation is around £65 per week self catered.</p>
<p>I’m too lazy to look it up but that sounds about how much my dorm dorm and meal plan cost. College is expensive.</p>
<p>Most I’ve seen are around that much. It generally depends on where the school is (again, from what I’ve seen).</p>
<p>We afford them, largely, by loans. Part of that $900 billion dollar student loan debt we have here. It’s the new American dream…</p>
<p>Yes, they are quite pricey! Luckily, I was only required to live in dorms my freshman year. After which, I got myself a job and an apartment and saved thousands!!</p>
<p>Most dorms come equipped with useless things like big screen TVs in lounges, washer & dryers, not to mention security, and free events they offer. All of these things are included in the price. If it comes furnished, you are paying for the bed, desk, dresser, etc as well. Yes, like Humanoid said, “College is expensive.” That’s why it is considered an investment. May not pay off right away, but later down the road it will… hopefully :)</p>
<p>Yeah they’re a complete and total ripoff. As a comparison, you can find a single apartment (no roommate) with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, plus the bedroom for LESS than a 10x14 double dorm where you have to share all that. The only point at all to dorms is in the first weeks you meet ppl easily and you don’t need to get groceries. This is why over half don’t return to them sophomore year.</p>
<p>Why’s it cost so much? Obviously fraud, someone’s skimming from the top. I think it might be the multicultural peer adviser, assistant hall director, full-time security, front desk, various “chefs” and maintenance. I hear the heating use is nuts, like windows open in February. Electric costs suspiciously go down once you end up paying for the actual use in apartments. </p>
<p>How they afford it is financial aid (loans) and parents who are so wealthy they apparently don’t give a crap and still let the kid return every other weekend.</p>
<p>Sound about right. As an out-of-stater, my cost are much higher though. But many goes with financial aids or scholarships, so many do not have much problems. Yet, my parents did not do those…thus am stuck with paying $42k a year on tuition and dorming (not to mention spending cash)…ergh.</p>