How College-Dorm Life Has Changed Over 110 Years (34 pics)

When it comes to college dorms, some things never change. It may have modernized over time (WiFi, TV, air-conditioning, etc.), but when you see these incredible images, put together by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives department, you’ll notice how family photos are still hung on walls, how students still chill out with their friends in their rooms, and how some dorms simply stand out from the rest.

These old-timey photographs will give you a nostalgic tour of how dorm rooms have changed over 110 years. Enjoy!
 
A woman’s dorm room, 1898. Times might have changed but a dorm room’s must-haves stays the same: pennants, books, and a chair for studying.

vintage dorm photos 1

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

The pictures and mementos gave this room (pictured in 1899) a rather homey vibe.

vintage dorm photos 2

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Male students raise their glasses in this 1909 photo.

vintage dorm photos 3

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

The vintage typewriter steals the show in this 1909 photo.

vintage dorm photos 4

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Pin-up ladies decor, 1912

vintage dorm photos 5

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

[wp_ad_camp_2]

This 1912 (or 1913) photo oozes out college pride.

vintage dorm photos 6

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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

vintage dorm photos 7

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

A 1930’s single dorm room filled with exotic souvenirs.

vintage dorm photos 8

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

A photo from 1945 shows students studying on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm.

vintage dorm photos 9

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

In 1945, single men’s housing was $13 per month. Smoking was banned, but no one told this guy.

vintage dorm photos 10

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

“The university had separate housing for married students and families, as seen in this 1946 photo.”

vintage dorm photos 11

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

In the 1950s, students studied around a communal table.

vintage dorm photos 12

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

It’s not “hanging out” if you’re not eating melon, circa 1950s.

vintage dorm photos 13

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Women enjoying good music in a girls dorm. (1950s)

vintage dorm photos 14

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Look at that perfume collection! (1950s)

vintage dorm photos 15

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

The Russian mural (at the back) reads “Merry Christmas,” in this picture from 1958.

vintage dorm photos 16

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

One student went minimalist in this 1960s snapshot.

vintage dorm photos 17

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

“Special housing for married couples remained through the 1960s.”

vintage dorm photos 18

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This ’70s student lounge had games like foosball and ping-pong.

vintage dorm photos 19

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

A groovy dorm room from the 1970s.

vintage dorm photos 20

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This one’s an animal-filled lair.

vintage dorm photos 21

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This dorm room’s got the modern minimalist touch with lofted bed, hanging chair, and dream catcher.

vintage dorm photos 22

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

What’s up with the ceiling? Circa 1970s

vintage dorm photos 23

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This 1970s photo shows two women catching up in a dorm room.

vintage dorm photos 24

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Also from the ’70s… “Love is Blue”

vintage dorm photos 25

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

These guys definitely know how to make the most out of their small space. (photo circa 1970-1980)

vintage dorm photos 26

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

“In the early 1980s, TVs started appearing in dorm rooms, distracting students everywhere.”

vintage dorm photos 27

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Bottom right corner, that’s a hamster cage, right? (1980s)

vintage dorm photos 28

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This ’80s dorm room had lots of personal touches.

vintage dorm photos 29

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This 1986 photo features a fireplace, which was a rare luxury for a college dorm.

vintage dorm photos 30

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This women’s dorm screams “1987.”

vintage dorm photos 31

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

“Students gathered to study in a residence hall den in this 1996 picture.”

vintage dorm photos 32

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Taken in 2005, this photo shows students taking a study break with a game of Cranium.

vintage dorm photos 33

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students chat in this 2008 picture.

vintage dorm photos 34

UW-Madison Archives, via BI

 
Via Business Insider