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 incredible images, put together by the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives department, you’ll notice how family photos are still hung on walls, how students still chill out with their friends in their rooms, and how some dorms simply stand out from the rest.
These old-timey photographs will give you a nostalgic tour of how dorm rooms have changed over 110 years. Enjoy!
A woman’s dorm room, 1898. Times might have changed but a dorm room’s must-haves stays the same: pennants, books, and a chair for studying.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
The pictures and mementos gave this room (pictured in 1899) a rather homey vibe.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Male students raise their glasses in this 1909 photo.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
The vintage typewriter steals the show in this 1909 photo.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Pin-up ladies decor, 1912
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This 1912 (or 1913) photo oozes out college pride.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
“An ad for a room in 1927 noted perks like running water, a phone, and an iron.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
A 1930’s single dorm room filled with exotic souvenirs.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
A photo from 1945 shows students studying on bunk beds in this barracks-style dorm.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
In 1945, single men’s housing was $13 per month. Smoking was banned, but no one told this guy.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
“The university had separate housing for married students and families, as seen in this 1946 photo.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
In the 1950s, students studied around a communal table.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
It’s not “hanging out” if you’re not eating melon, circa 1950s.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Women enjoying good music in a girls dorm. (1950s)
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Look at that perfume collection! (1950s)
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
The Russian mural (at the back) reads “Merry Christmas,” in this picture from 1958.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
One student went minimalist in this 1960s snapshot.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
“Special housing for married couples remained through the 1960s.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This ’70s student lounge had games like foosball and ping-pong.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
A groovy dorm room from the 1970s.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This one’s an animal-filled lair.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This dorm room’s got the modern minimalist touch with lofted bed, hanging chair, and dream catcher.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
What’s up with the ceiling? Circa 1970s
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This 1970s photo shows two women catching up in a dorm room.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Also from the ’70s… “Love is Blue”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
These guys definitely know how to make the most out of their small space. (photo circa 1970-1980)
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
“In the early 1980s, TVs started appearing in dorm rooms, distracting students everywhere.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Bottom right corner, that’s a hamster cage, right? (1980s)
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This ’80s dorm room had lots of personal touches.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This 1986 photo features a fireplace, which was a rare luxury for a college dorm.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
This women’s dorm screams “1987.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
“Students gathered to study in a residence hall den in this 1996 picture.”
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Taken in 2005, this photo shows students taking a study break with a game of Cranium.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Students chat in this 2008 picture.
UW-Madison Archives, via BI
Via Business Insider