by Jennifer Shipon

Created on: June 30, 2008

Believe it or not, drab college dorm rooms can sometimes put a damper on the entire collegiate experience. College students should search for a campus that not only has the people and academic subjects they're looking for, but also the surroundings. Below is a list of some of the top 10 coolest college dorms in America, whether their hip factor lies in their architecture, view, insides, or ambience.

10. Branford College

Built as one of Yale University's 12 residential colleges, Branford College in New Haven, Connecticut is home to one of the only - maybe THE only - dorm containing a 54-bell carillon. Harkness Tower used to be the highest free-standing structure in the world until it was deemed structurally unsound and reinforced with steel in 1981. Its student rooms and common area are decorated with stained glass, and Harkness Tower forms one side of the gorgeous Branford Courtyard.

http://www.yale.edu/branford/about.html

9. Barnard College

No matter what floor you find yourself on in Barnard College's Plimpton Hall (located right near the heart of the city in New York, New York), you're in for a treat. On the ground floor, Plimpton sports a piano lounge where impromptu sing-alongs take place at all hours, and a TV room where everyone gathers to watch their favorite shows. On the upper floors, students are treated to panoramic views of New York City. Investigate all Barnard dorms have to offer:

http://www.barnard.edu/reslife/reshalls.html

8. Skidmore College

Moore Hall is an offcampus dorm located about a half mile from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York that contains its own dining hall and dorm room, stuffed to the brim with ping-pong tables, pinball machines, and various arcade games. It's closer to downtown New York than all of the other dorms at Skidmore. Skidmore's website lets you explore all of the college's dorm rooms in fine photographic form from all angles.

http://cms.skidmore.edu/reslife/reslifeaz.cfm #R

7. George Washington University

Located in bustling Washington, D.C., George Washington University offers its students the type of dorm room amenities one usually finds in five-star hotel rooms. Balconies and roof decks from which to view the monuments D.C is famous for, private backyards - even a pool. To top it all off, GW also offers a housecleaning service. Check it all out:

http://living.gwu.edu/

6. Agnes Scott College

Anges Scott Hall is one of the most sought-after dorms at the all-girls Agnes Scott College, and it's easy to see why. Built

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>