Dormitory vs. Accommodation — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 29, 2024
Dormitories are shared living spaces often found in educational institutions, emphasizing communal facilities; accommodations are broader, including any temporary living or lodging options.
Difference Between Dormitory and Accommodation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Dormitories specifically refer to large bedrooms or buildings offering sleeping quarters, primarily in educational settings like colleges, where multiple individuals share a room. On the other hand, accommodation is a more inclusive term that encompasses all types of lodging options, from hotels and hostels to private homes, suitable for travelers and residents alike.
Dormitories often include shared facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas, which encourages a communal living experience. Whereas accommodations can range from fully private facilities like apartments and vacation homes to shared spaces similar to dormitories, providing flexibility depending on the needs and preferences of the occupants.
In dormitories, the cost is generally lower, making it an affordable option for students and interns. Conversely, accommodations vary widely in price, reflecting the diversity of options from budget hostels to luxury resorts.
The rules and regulations in dormitories are typically strict, with guidelines on visitor hours, noise levels, and shared responsibilities. In contrast, other forms of accommodation may offer more freedom and fewer restrictions, catering to the individual preferences of guests.
Dormitories are predominantly associated with short-term stays linked to academic calendars. On the other hand, accommodations can be tailored for both short visits and extended stays, offering versatility for different durations of occupancy.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A shared residence in educational institutions.
Any temporary living or lodging option.
Facilities
Often shared (bathrooms, kitchens).
Can be shared or private, varies greatly.
Cost
Generally lower, budget-friendly.
Ranges from budget to luxury.
Rules
Typically strict, with set guidelines.
Varies, generally more flexible.
Duration of Stay
Usually short-term, aligned with academic terms.
Flexible, suited for short visits or extended stays.
Compare with Definitions
Dormitory
A shared sleeping area in such a building.
His dormitory was always noisy at night with everyone chatting.
Accommodation
Any form of housing or lodging provided for people.
They were looking for temporary accommodation while traveling.
Dormitory
Any large bedroom in a boarding school or institution.
The summer camp's dormitory could accommodate up to 50 campers.
Accommodation
Facilities provided for convenience of travelers.
The hotel offered excellent accommodation with a pool and gym.
Dormitory
A building with many rooms that house a number of people, usually students.
She moved into the dormitory in her first year of university.
Accommodation
A place to stay overnight.
They needed overnight accommodation after a long flight.
Dormitory
A room providing sleeping quarters in a hostel.
They booked a dormitory room to save money during their trip.
Accommodation
The action of accommodating or adapting.
The city’s accommodation of tourists during the festival is commendable.
Dormitory
A shared living space that promotes social interaction.
The dormitory had a communal kitchen where everyone cooked together.
Accommodation
A room or building where someone may live or stay.
He found a quiet accommodation in the countryside.
Dormitory
A dormitory (originated from the Latin word dormitorium, often abbreviated to dorm) is a building primarily providing sleeping and residential quarters for large numbers of people such as boarding school, high school, college or university students. In some countries, it can also refer to a room containing several beds accommodating people.
Accommodation
A room, group of rooms, or building in which someone may live or stay
They were living in temporary accommodation
Dormitory
A large bedroom for a number of people in a school or institution
He visited the boarders in their dormitory
Accommodation
A convenient arrangement; a settlement or compromise
The prime minister was seeking an accommodation with Labour
Dormitory
A building for housing a number of persons, as at a school or resort.
Accommodation
The process of adapting or adjusting to someone or something
Accommodation to a separate political entity was not possible
Dormitory
A room providing sleeping quarters for a number of persons.
Accommodation
The act of accommodating or the state of being accommodated; adjustment.
Dormitory
A community whose inhabitants commute to a nearby city for employment and recreation.
Accommodation
Something that meets a need; a convenience.
Dormitory
A room containing a number of beds (and often some other furniture and/or utilities) for sleeping, often applied to student and backpacker accommodation of this kind.
Accommodation
Room and board; lodgings.
Dormitory
A building or part of a building which houses students, soldiers, monks etc. who sleep there and use communal further facilities.
Accommodation
A seat, compartment, or room on a public vehicle.
Dormitory
A dormitory town.
Accommodation
Reconciliation or settlement of opposing views.
Dormitory
A sleeping room, or a building containing a series of sleeping rooms; a sleeping apartment capable of containing many beds; esp., one connected with a college or boarding school.
Accommodation
(Physiology) The automatic adjustment in the focal length of the lens of the eye to permit retinal focus of images of objects at varying distances.
Dormitory
A burial place.
My sister was interred in a very honorable manner in our dormitory, joining to the parish church.
Accommodation
A financial favor, such as a loan.
Dormitory
A college or university building containing living quarters for students
Accommodation
Lodging in a dwelling or similar living quarters afforded to travellers in hotels or on cruise ships, or prisoners, etc.
The accommodations at that hotel were quite luxurious.
Dormitory
A large sleeping room containing several beds
Accommodation
(physical) Adaptation or adjustment.
Accommodation
The act of fitting or adapting, or the state of being fitted or adapted; adaptation; adjustment.
Accommodation
A convenience, a fitting, something satisfying a need.
Accommodation
The adaptation or adjustment of an organism, organ, or part.
Accommodation
The adjustment of the eye to a change of the distance from an observed object.
Accommodation
(personal) Adaptation or adjustment.
Accommodation
Willingness to accommodate; obligingness.
Accommodation
Adjustment of differences; state of agreement; reconciliation; settlement; compromise.
Accommodation
(countable) The application of a writer's language, on the ground of analogy, to something not originally referred to or intended.
Accommodation
A loan of money.
Accommodation
An accommodation bill or note.
Accommodation
An offer of substitute goods to fulfill a contract, which will bind the purchaser if accepted.
Accommodation
(theology) An adaptation or method of interpretation which explains the special form in which the revelation is presented as unessential to its contents, or rather as often adopted by way of compromise with human ignorance or weakness.
Accommodation
The place where sediments can make, or have made, a sedimentation.
Accommodation
Modification(s) to make one's way of communicating similar to others involved in a conversation or discourse.
Accommodation
The act of fitting or adapting, or the state of being fitted or adapted; adaptation; adjustment; - followed by to.
Accommodation
Willingness to accommodate; obligingness.
Accommodation
Whatever supplies a want or affords ease, refreshment, or convenience; anything furnished which is desired or needful; - often in the plural; as, the accommodations - that is, lodgings and food - at an inn.
Accommodation
An adjustment of differences; state of agreement; reconciliation; settlement.
Accommodation
The application of a writer's language, on the ground of analogy, to something not originally referred to or intended.
Many of those quotations from the Old Testament were probably intended as nothing more than accommodations.
Accommodation
A loan of money.
Accommodation
Making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances
Accommodation
A settlement of differences;
They reached an accommodation with Japan
Accommodation
In the theories of Jean Piaget: the modification of internal representations in order to accommodate a changing knowledge of reality
Accommodation
Living quarters provided for public convenience;
Overnight accommodations are available
Accommodation
The act of providing something (lodging or seat or food) to meet a need
Accommodation
(physiology) the automatic adjustment in focal length of the lens of the eye
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of a dormitory?
Primarily to provide affordable housing to students within educational institutions.
What kind of accommodations are suitable for families?
Families might prefer vacation homes, suites, or serviced apartments that offer private facilities.
Who can stay in a dormitory?
Mostly students, interns, or trainees associated with an educational or training program.
Do dormitories provide meals?
Some do as part of a meal plan, especially in college settings.
Are pets allowed in accommodations?
This depends on the specific policy of the accommodation; some do allow, while others might not.
Can accommodation include renting an apartment?
Yes, accommodations include a wide range of options, including apartments.
What facilities are typically available in accommodations?
Facilities can range from basic to luxury amenities, depending on the type of accommodation.
Are dormitories cheaper than hotels?
Generally, yes, dormitories are more budget-friendly than hotels.
Is it common to have roommates in a dormitory?
Yes, sharing rooms with roommates is common in dormitories.
What types of accommodations are considered luxurious?
Hotels, resorts, and boutique lodgings are often considered luxurious.
What is the usual duration of stay in a dormitory?
Typically for the academic year or the duration of a training program.
How do I book a dormitory room?
Usually through the educational institution or associated booking systems.
Can I choose a specific type of accommodation for a business trip?
Yes, business travelers often choose hotels, serviced apartments, or business suites.
What is the difference in privacy between a dormitory and a hotel?
Hotels typically offer more privacy than dormitories, which have shared spaces and facilities.
Are there usually cooking facilities in dormitories?
Yes, most dormitories have communal kitchens for residents to use.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
