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In the past, living in a college dorm meant a much too small room, with paper thin walls, and a communal bathroom way down the hall. It also meant lumpy twin beds (often bunks), group showers, old furniture, a snoring or partying roommate, and a laundry room in a dark, damp basement. But there's still a lot to be said for the old college dorm experience. It was a reality check for some, and a great equalizer for others. There are just some lessons in life that have to be learned in a less than posh environment. But today's new college dorm is anything but sparse.

All over the United States there is an effort to replace outdated dorms, with resort style new college dorms, that have all the amenities. There is fierce competition among the colleges for the enrollment of America's brightest (and apparently wealthiest) students, and their parents are demanding much more for higher tuition. Colleges are also trying to convince upper class-men to remain in college dorms, rather than transferring to off-campus dwellings. New college dorms have to deliver the goods, so it's all about campus makeovers.

Many of today's youth have grown up in the lap of luxury. They've had their own rooms in spacious houses, with a computer, private land-line phone, cell phone, CD and DVD players, and a flat screen TV. They've never had to share a room, and they didn't have to sleep in a twin bed. Many got a new car, while still in high school, as a gift from their parents. Apparently they expect to carry on this cushy lifestyle when they leave home, and their expectations are extremely high for college dorm apartments. They're not interested in scaling down, and increasingly upscale new college dorms reflect that cultural mind set.

New college dorms offer private rooms with baths and kitchens. Communal living means a private bedroom and bath, in a shared apartment suite. Many students rent limos to make their first arrival on campus, and maid service, grocery delivery, and laundry service can also be purchased. (What's not to like?)

Students at DePaul University in Chicago, living in Loft-Right new college dorms, pay more than $1,000 a month for a private bedroom, in either a 2 or 4 bedroom suite. Bathrooms are limited to 2 people. With views of the city, modern designer furniture (Herman Miller), high speed Internet, satellite TV hookups in rooms, and Wi-Fi in the common areas, living in this college dorm, is much like a grand hotel, according to Martha Irvine, of Boston.com News.

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