Basic but comfy, a dorm room at Carr-Saunders Hall, London makes travel affordable for all.
© Joyce McGreevy

Travelers on Budgets
Go Back to School

As students return to college each September, another group is preparing for college visits— travelers on budgets. To pursue their wanderlust, they’re majoring in Travel Economics.

How? By booking “university vacation-accommodations.”

Translation:  They’re staying in dorms.

More and more colleges today offer clean, comfortable dorm rooms to non-student visitors. While some do so only when classes aren’t in session, a growing number of colleges offer dorms year-round.

For travelers on budgets, this means more “oh I see moments” in the history, geography, arts, and culture of world destinations—and fewer “IOU” moments. After all, when the cost of visiting a place is minimized, your ability to explore it is maximized.

When you save on a room, you can splurge on a must-see show.
© Joyce McGreevy

Do the Travel Math

Now I know what you’re thinking: I may be traveling on a budget, but I don’t do hostels.

In fact, most university vacation-accommodation is private. Your only roommates—should you so choose—will be your Significant Other. (Or “Otherettes.” Kids are welcome at most colleges.)

Need another reason for staying in dorms? How about hundreds? Daily rates for dorm rooms start at $35-$45 per guest. Suddenly, the world’s most expensive cities become affordable.

Consider Yourself at Home

Booking a college dorm room nets you a surprising number of extras. Typically, these include:

• Central locations in cities around the world
• Free wifi
• Breakfast included, or nominally priced
• On-site laundry facilities, so you can pack light
• Fully-stocked kitchens—one or more per floor
• Common rooms with TV, books, and games
• Depending on location, access to a swimming pool or gym

All at a fraction of what most home-shares and budget hotels charge. That’s especially helpful in fiendishly expensive cities, where “budget” can mean a whole lot of Dismal at very little Discount.

Colleges give solo travelers opportunities to socialize with locals and international visitors. Some give you access to libraries, special events, and lectures. Aptly, you’ll learn a lot, and save a scholarship’s worth to satisfy future wanderlust.

(Dorm) room with a view, overlooking Coram’s Fields in central London.
© Joyce McGreevy

Basics, Baths, and Beyond

While college exteriors reflect the style of local architecture, interiors emphasize function. These are student residences, so don’t expect lush carpeting or fine furniture. What you get is a room to yourself, a bed, towels, toiletries, and ample storage space.

Few rooms have TV. But who travels to stare at the tube? With some exceptions, bathrooms are “down the hall.” Yes, you’ll have privacy. No, I’ve never had to wait for a shower or been left with cold water.

A bargain for solo travelers, dorm rooms get even cheaper per person if you’re rooming with friends or family. Choose from singles to quadruples, depending on your group. All beds are twins.

Dorm room decor for digital nomads.
© Joyce McGreevy

All I Want Is a Room Somewhere

For some, the setup may be too Spartan. If you require lavish suites and chocolates atop pillows, look elsewhere—and bring your inheritance, darling.

Me, I like having a desk to write at and a bookshelf to fill with works by local authors. (I donate them to the students’ common room afterward.) As for chocolates, I’ll happily supply my own.

This stately dining hall serves excellent fare at student-friendly prices.
© Joyce McGreevy

Global School Field Trips

You’ll find college dorm rooms in cities all over Europe and Canada, plus parts of Australia, New Zealand, and South America.

To give you an idea of options, I’ve focused on London, where I’m a proud non-alumnus of London School of Economics (LSE) and University College London (UCL). Both learning institutions offer multiple sites in superb locations.

Sunny daffodils welcome dorm room travelers to Goodenough College, London.
© Joyce McGreevy

Best College Name Ever?

And then there’s Goodenough College.

Yes, that’s really its name. If I owned a car, the fictitious bumper sticker would say, “My average child did just fine at Goodenough College.”

Goodenough College is actually rather splendid. Situated in Bloomsbury, Goodenough’s moderately pricier dorms take things up a notch. Most dorm rooms, for example, have bathrooms en suite, and some dorms are spacious, with parlors, bay windows, and other stylish features.

For scholars who love to travel (and skeptics of “staying in dorms”), Goodenough College offers “Nerdvana.”

Many dorms overlook beautiful gardens. On-site pubs, a café, and dining hall offer excellent fare at modest cost. Concerts and lectures are often open to visitors.

With the best of London in walking distance, Goodenough earns “extra credit”—and won’t dent your credit card. Visit the School of Life on Marchmont Street, just 5 minutes away, or explore history and art with locals and others at London CultureSeekers.

A corner of the quad at Goodenough College, London.
© Joyce McGreevy

Homework Has Its Rewards

Staying in dorms isn’t for everyone. But for travelers on a budget, university vacation-accommodation offers a rich cultural experience without the sticker shock. Support your wanderlust, not your creditors. Do the travel math, study your options, and let the world “class” travel begin!

To search university rooms by country, start here.

To focus on London, search Goodenough, UCL, and LSE.

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