Battle of the Bathrooms: Community vs. In-Suite Dorm Bathrooms

Ah, dorm life—the ultimate college experience where freedom, independence, and questionable hygiene all come together in one neat little package. And at the heart of this experience is the eternal debate: Community bathrooms or in-suite bathrooms? As a test subject, let’s use one of the largest universities in the country, Michigan State University, which offers both styles of bathrooms in their dorms. At Michigan State University (MSU), this question divides students like Spartan fans and Wolverine fans. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty (and sometimes grimy) details of each to determine which style reigns supreme. Grab your shower caddy and let’s get to it!

Community Bathrooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

1. No Cleaning Required: One of the biggest perks of community bathrooms is that you don’t have to clean them. That’s right, folks! MSU has custodial staff who handle the heavy lifting. You can say goodbye to scrubbing toilets and mopping floors—tasks that are undoubtedly at the bottom of everyone’s list of fun activities.

2. Always Open: Need to use the bathroom at 3 AM after a late-night study session or a party? No problem! Community bathrooms are always open and usually have multiple stalls and showers, so you don’t have to wait in line. Convenience is key when nature calls!

3. Social Hub: Believe it or not, community bathrooms can be quite the social hotspots. You’ll often run into your floor mates, making it a great place to bond over awkward small talk while brushing your teeth or washing your hands.

The Bad

1. Lack of Privacy: One major downside is the lack of privacy. Sharing a bathroom with an entire floor means you’re bound to encounter people during your most vulnerable moments. If you’re shy about singing in the shower or have an aversion to seeing neighbors in their towels, this might be a tough adjustment.

2. Cleanliness: While custodians do their best, the sheer volume of users means that community bathrooms can get messy quickly. It’s not uncommon to encounter mysterious puddles, clogged toilets, or someone’s forgotten shampoo bottle. Be prepared for the occasional gross-out moment.

The Ugly

1. Waiting Game: During peak times—like right before morning classes—the bathrooms can get crowded. You might have to wait for a shower or a stall, and no one likes being late because of a bathroom bottleneck.

2. Noise Levels: Early risers, late-night partiers, and that one person who sings opera at full volume in the shower can all disrupt your peace. Community bathrooms are noisy places, so pack some earplugs if you’re sensitive to sound.

In-Suite Bathrooms: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

The Good

1. Privacy, Sweet Privacy: The biggest advantage of in-suite bathrooms is the privacy. You only share it with your roommates, so you can sing, dance, and take as long as you want in the shower without fear of interruption or judgment.

2. Cleanliness Control: Since you and your roommates are the only users, you have more control over cleanliness. If you’re a neat freak, you’ll appreciate being able to maintain a clean space without random messes left by strangers.

3. Personalization: In-suite bathrooms offer the chance to personalize the space. Want to hang up a funky shower curtain or put down a cozy bath mat? Go for it! It’s your space to make comfortable and stylish.

The Bad

1. Cleaning Duty: The downside of having control over cleanliness is that you actually have to do the cleaning. Scrubbing toilets, cleaning the shower, and taking out the trash become part of your weekly chores. It’s a trade-off for that pristine environment.

2. Limited Access: Unlike community bathrooms, if your in-suite bathroom is occupied, you’re out of luck until it’s free. This can be a pain during busy mornings or when someone decides to take a marathon shower.

The Ugly

1. Conflict Potential: Sharing a bathroom with roommates can lead to conflicts. Differing standards of cleanliness, shower schedules, and general use habits can create tension. Negotiating bathroom etiquette becomes essential for harmonious living.

2. Space Constraints: In-suite bathrooms are typically smaller than community ones, so space can be an issue. Storage might be limited, and you’ll need to get creative with organizing your toiletries and cleaning supplies.

What MSU Students Have to Say

To get the real scoop, we asked some MSU students about their preferences. Here’s what they had to say:

Jessica, Freshman: “I love the privacy of my in-suite bathroom. It’s nice not having to trek down the hall in a towel, but cleaning it isn’t fun.”

Mark, Sophomore: “Community bathrooms are a mixed bag. I don’t like the lack of privacy, but I do appreciate never having to clean them. Plus, I’ve met some cool people during late-night bathroom runs.”

Sara, Junior: “I’ve experienced both, and I’d say in-suite is better overall. It’s worth the extra effort to keep it clean for the added privacy and comfort.”

What You’ll Need for Each Style

Community Bathroom Essentials

1. Shower Caddy: Keep all your toiletries in one place with a portable shower caddy. Check it out on Amazon.
2. Shower Shoes: Protect your feet from whatever might be lurking on those communal shower floors. Get a pair here.
3. Towel Wrap: Make the walk to and from the bathroom easier with a towel wrap. Find one here.
4. Toiletry Bag: A toiletry bag is a must for keeping your grooming essentials organized. Check this one out.

In-Suite Bathroom Essentials

1. Cleaning Supplies: Stock up on bathroom cleaners, sponges, and brushes. Get a set here.
2. Shower Curtain: Personalize your space with a stylish shower curtain. Choose one here.
3. Bath Mat: Keep your floors dry and add some comfort with a bath mat. Find one here.
4. Storage Solutions: Maximize your space with over-the-toilet storage or shower shelves. Check these out.
5. Toilet Brush and Plunger: Essential tools for maintaining cleanliness. Get a set here.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the hands-off convenience of community bathrooms or the privacy and control of in-suite bathrooms, each option has its unique pros and cons. At Michigan State University, you’ll find both styles across various dormitories, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

So, when you’re deciding which bathroom style suits you best, consider what matters more: the freedom from cleaning or the sanctuary of a private space. Either way, remember to pack the essentials, brace yourself for some bathroom-related adventures, and embrace the quirks of dorm life. Good luck, Spartans, and may your bathroom experiences be ever in your favor!

And don’t forget to check out our list of Dorm Room Essentials!