Incredible Photos Show How College Dorm Life Has Changed in the U.S Over 100 Years

The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives department has put together a collection of photos showing how student housing in the US has changed over the past 110 years.

This woman’s dorm room from 1898 isn’t much different from modern day dorms: Pennants, books, and a chair for studying.

Photographs and mementos kept things homey in this room, 1899.

A dorm room in old Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1899.

Male students raised a glass in a boarding house or fraternity, 1909.

Male students room in boarding house or fraternity, 1909.

Man sitting in boarding house or fraternity house room reading. Pinups and other decorations on south wall, 1912.

Young student sleeping in a men's boarding house or fraternity house room, ca. 1912.

ca. 1912-1913.

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

This single dorm room from the 1930s appeared to be filled with souvenirs from exotic adventures.

Students studied on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm, ca. 1945.

Single men's living quarters, bunks and linens furnished, rent $13/person/month, No smoking. ca. 1945.

The university had separate housing for married students and families, ca. 1946.

Students studied around a communal table, ca. 1950s.

Just a bunch of guys hanging out, eating melon, ca. 1950s.

A record party with Elizabeth Waters Hall residents, ca. 1950s.

Two women in room in Holt Dormitory, 1950s.

A guy studying in dorm room, ca. 1950s.

Two women sitting in mock-up dorm room in Chadbourne Hall, ca. 1950s.

Man playing guitar by Christmas tree while two others listen/sing; pictures of Russian buildings on window and Russian text reading "Merry Christmas," December 1958.

Student dormatory room, ca. 1960s.

Residence hall room., 1963.

Married student housing, ca. 1960s.

Students playing foosball by Budweiser sign, ca. 1970s.

Double room, ca. 1970s.

Double room, ca. 1970s.

Single room, complete with a lofted bed, hanging chair, and dreamcatcher, ca. 1970s.

Single room, ca. 1970s.

Two women talking in dorm room in Ogg East, ca. 1970s.

Triple Room, ca. 1970s.

Student "bar" in dorm room, ca. 1970-1980.

TVs started appearing in dorm rooms, distracting students everywhere, 1983.

Students in dorm room, ca. 1980s.

ca. 1980s

Residence Hall room, 1986.

A dorm room in 1987.

Students studying in their residence hall den, May 1996.

Residents in Slichter Hall playing Cranium, 2005.

Man and woman chat in dorm room in Sellery Hall, 2008.