What's the deal with communal bathrooms in college dorms?

Okay, I’ve been hearing about communal bathrooms in college dorms, and as a junior, it’s freaking me out a little. What's the deal with the cleanliness, privacy, and generally how to navigate that situation? Side note: are they common in all schools, or just some?

Communal bathrooms can be a bit of a shift from what you're used to at home, but it's totally manageable once you understand the setup. Now, to reassure you a little - not all colleges have dorms with communal bathrooms. Some have suite-style bathrooms shared among a smaller number of students, and in upperclassman housing, you might even find rooms with private bathrooms.

That said, the concept of communal bathrooms is straightforward. Essentially, it's a shared facility usually with multiple toilet stalls, showers, and sinks used by residents on one floor or in one hallway. They're cleaned regularly by custodial staff, typically on a daily or every-other-day basis. As residents, it's also everyone's responsibility to maintain cleanliness. Always remember to be respectful of the space and your hallmates!

In terms of privacy, stalls and shower cubicles have doors or curtains for individual privacy. For showers, you might consider buying a shower caddy to easily carry your things to and from the bathroom, and to keep your personal items separate from others'.

There might be some challenges with timing and convenience, especially during peak usage hours in the morning or evening when everyone is getting ready for the day or winding down. Some students find workarounds like adjusting their schedules to use the facilities during off-peak hours.

Always remember that everyone else in the dorm is in the same situation as you, and it can be a shared experience that brings people together. Give it a month and you'll most likely find that it's not as intimidating as it seems!