34 Photos Show How College-Dorm Life Has Changed Over 110 Years

By | September 20, 2016

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 college dorm photos, put together by the University of Wisconsin-Madison's archives department over the course of 110 years, you'll notice how family photos are still hung on walls and how students still chill out with their friends in their rooms - some things never change.

Get a nostalgic tour through this incredible collection of old-timey dorm photos. Enjoy!
 
A woman's dorm room in 1898. Times might have changed but a dorm room's essentials stays the same: pennants, books, and a chair for studying.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

The pictures and mementos gave this 1899 dorm room a rather homey vibe.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Male students raise their glasses, 1909.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Check out vintage typewriter in this 1909 photo.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Pin-up ladies decor, 1912

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This 1912 or 1913 photo oozes out real college pride.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

"An advert for a dorm room in 1927 highlights perks like running water, a phone, and an iron."

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

A 1930's single college dorm room filled with exotic souvenirs.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students studying on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm, 1945

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

In 1945, single men's housing was at $13 per month. Smoking was banned, apparently not for this guy.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students study around a communal table, 1950s

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students "hanging out" while eating melon, circa 1950s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Women listening to music in a girls dorm, 1950s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Look at that perfume collection! 1950s

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

The Russian mural at the back reads "Merry Christmas," in this 1958 photo.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

One student prefers minimalism, 1960s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

"Special housing for married couples remained through the 1960s."

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This 1970s student lounge had communal games like foosball and ping-pong.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

A groovy dorm room, 1970s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

An animal-filled lair.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

One student went the modern minimalist route touch lofted bed, hanging chair, and dream catcher.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

What's up with the ceiling? Circa 1970s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Two women catching up in a dorm room in this 1970s photo.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Also from the '70s... "Love is Blue."

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

These guys are geniuses! Photo circa 1970-1980.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

That's a hamster cage at the bottom right corner, right? 1980s

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

This dorm room had lots of personal touches, 1980s.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Women's dorm screams in 1987.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students taking a study break with a game of Cranium, 2005

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

Students chatting in this 2008 picture.

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UW-Madison Archives, via BI

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