In the U.S. housing market, there's an array of terminologies and types of accommodations that can easily confuse the uninitiated. Today, we're bringing you an in-depth guide that will demystify these terms in one go! This article will introduce you to the common types of rental properties and dormitory accommodations in the U.S., such as the enigmatic Studio, 1B1B, 2B2B, 0.5B, Suite, Single, Efficiency, and so on. We'll also explain various terminologies like Full XL, W/D, and more. This guide is primarily based on housing in New York, but the concepts are universally applicable!
Rental Property Types
Studio
A Studio, also known as a studio apartment or a bachelor apartment, is a type of open-plan accommodation. The defining characteristic of this style is that it 'combines the kitchen, living room, and bedroom into one space!' The only separate area is usually the bathroom. In this style, aside from the necessary private space (like the bathroom), all other functional areas like cooking, entertainment, and sleeping are in the same open space.
Because of the Studio's characteristic of eliminating partitions, the entire space becomes more spacious and open. This is perfect for those who want to fully utilize a limited space. However, the privacy in a Studio is relatively low as all aspects of life take place in the same area, which might be uncomfortable for some. Also, the issue of cooking smoke is something to consider.
In the U.S., Studio apartments are very common in the core areas of many cities, especially in high-rent, densely populated metropolitan areas (such as New York, San Francisco, etc.). It is an excellent choice for many students and young professionals.
1B1B (One Bedroom)
1B1B, a common housing type in the U.S., refers to a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. The term, comprised of two "Bs", stands for "Bedroom" and "Bathroom". Therefore, 1B1B denotes a unit with one bedroom and one bathroom, typically featuring a living room, a kitchen, and potentially additional storage space.
In this layout, the bedroom, living room, and kitchen are 'distinct areas!', separated by doors or corridors. Offering more privacy and compartmentalization compared to a Studio, a 1B1B allows various activities such as sleeping, cooking, and entertaining to take place in their respective areas, minimizing interference.
This type of accommodation suits individuals or couples seeking personal space or an additional area for hosting guests. Generally, a 1B1B has a larger square footage than a Studio, appealing to those needing room for work or study. Some tenants even sublet the living room to cut down on rent.
2B2B (Two Bedroom)
A 2B2B refers to a property with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, typically also featuring an independent living room and kitchen.
In a 2B2B setup, each bedroom has its corresponding bathroom, enhancing the privacy of the living situation, allowing each occupant to enjoy personal space in their bedroom and bathroom. The living room and kitchen in this layout are usually more spacious, facilitating shared use and entertainment.
This type of layout is perfect for two or more roommates, each having their own bedroom and bathroom while sharing the communal spaces. It's also well-suited for small families, with parents having their master bedroom and children their room.
0.5B
In the U.S. rental market, you may come across descriptions like 1B1.5B, 2B2.5B, 2B1.5B, etc. The "0.5B" represents a half bathroom.
A half bathroom typically includes a sink and toilet but does not have a shower or bathtub. It serves daily hygiene needs, such as handwashing, makeup application, or toilet use, but is not meant for full-body bathing. In some layouts, the half bathroom is situated near communal areas like the living room for guest use.
For instance, in a "2B1.5B" apartment, there are two bedrooms, one full bathroom (with a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub), and one half bathroom.
Apartments or houses with a half bathroom are incredibly convenient for shared living situations. When the main bathroom is in use, others can still use the half bathroom for daily hygiene needs, thereby minimizing inconvenience and enhancing the practicality of the apartment.
Dormitory Accommodation Types
In general, college dormitories also offer Studio and One Bedroom layouts suitable for students who prefer living alone. For those sharing amenities like the bathroom and kitchen with others, there are various terminologies!
Suite
A Suite in student accommodation often comprises multiple independent bedrooms that share one or more bathrooms and a communal living area or small kitchen.
The specific layout of a Suite, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and occupants per room (which can be single or multiple), depends on the school's arrangements.
Here's an example of a typical "Suite" dormitory layout:
When you open the door to a "Suite," you'll first see a communal living area, possibly equipped with seating, desks, and even a small kitchenette (featuring amenities like a microwave and refrigerator) for shared use. This space will also have one or more bathrooms for collective use.
From this communal area, several doors lead to individual bedrooms. Each bedroom could have one or more beds, along with personal storage spaces like desks and wardrobes. These rooms provide ample privacy for quiet study or rest.
This "Suite" dormitory configuration is prevalent in universities, particularly for upperclassmen or graduate students. This design merges the advantages of private and communal spaces, enabling students to strike a balance between interacting with peers and enjoying personal time.
Single
In US dormitories, "Single" typically refers to a dormitory room meant for one student, equipped with a single bed. The room comes with a bed, a desk, a wardrobe, or other storage facilities. It generally does not have its own bathroom, though it might in some cases (potentially labeled as Single w/ Bath).
Key distinctions between "Single" and "Suite":
Roommates and privacy: A "Single" room is solitary, thus offering maximum privacy. You don't have to share your room with anyone, and you can live entirely on your own schedule without worrying about disturbing a roommate.
Shared spaces: In a "Suite," you may share a living area and bathroom with several roommates. This shared living space can serve as a social hub, fostering interactions with your roommates. In contrast, in a "Single" dormitory, aside from potentially sharing a bathroom (often designed as several bathrooms shared by an entire floor, with dedicated cleaning staff), you hardly have to share any space with others.
Both "Single" and "Suite" offer a degree of privacy, but they differ in their extent of shared space, social opportunities, and cost. You can decide which type of dormitory suits you best based on the specific circumstances of your school, your personal needs, and your budget.
Two Bedroom Share
"Two Bedroom Share" refers to a housing configuration where occupants of two bedrooms (be it two individuals or pairs) share 'some or all' communal spaces such as the kitchen, bathroom, and living room. This could be for a 2B2B (two-bedroom, two-bathroom) or a 2B1B (two-bedroom, one-bathroom) setup.
In this arrangement, each tenant has their own private space (their bedroom) which offers them a certain degree of privacy. However, they also need to learn how to share communal areas with roommates and ensure these areas are kept clean.
Moreover, this concept can extend to more bedrooms, as seen in a "Three Bedroom Share" configuration. Under this setup, three bedroom tenants will share one or more communal areas. Whether there are independent bathrooms, independent kitchens, etc., still depends on the specifics of the housing configuration.
Ensuite (less commonly used)
Originating from French, the term "ensuite" literally means "following" or "in sequence". In accommodation parlance, "ensuite" is typically used to describe a layout where there is no communal hallway or space between the bedroom and the bathroom.
Seeing the term "ensuite" in a dormitory usually means having your own 'private bathroom' without having to share with other tenants or roommates. However, this does not necessarily mean the room will have other facilities like a kitchen or living room. These amenities might need to be shared with other tenants or roommates, or they might not be included at all.
Efficiency (less commonly used)
"Efficiency" apartments are designed to maximize the use of limited space. "Efficiency" refers to a single room with a private bathroom, usually equipped with some basic kitchen facilities like a refrigerator and microwave (though the completeness of the kitchen may vary by location), unlike a Studio which has a living room area.
Additional Amenities
W/D
W/D is an abbreviation for Washer/Dryer. When you see "W/D" in a rental or dormitory description, it indicates that the room comes with a washing machine and dryer, otherwise you'll have to use the common laundry area in the building.
This feature is very attractive to many tenants as it allows people to conveniently wash and dry their clothes at home, without having to go to a laundromat or use communal laundry facilities.
However, note that even with a "W/D" sign, it could also possibly mean "washer/dryer hookups", which means that facilities are provided for connecting a washing machine and dryer, but the machines themselves are not actually provided. Therefore, if this feature is very important to you, it is recommended to explicitly ask the landlord or property management before renting.
Bed Sizes
Single Beds (Twin)
Twin Bed: This is a standard single bed, measuring 38 inches (wide) x 75 inches (long), which converts to 96.5cm (wide) x 190.5cm (long) in centimeters. This is the most common bed size for children and student dormitories.
Twin XL Bed: This bed has the same width as a twin bed but is longer, about 80 inches, which converts to about 96.5cm (wide) x 203cm (long) in centimeters. This bed size is very common in university dormitories because it can accommodate taller people.
Wide Single Beds (Full)
Full Bed/Double Bed: This bed measures 54 inches (wide) x 75 inches (long), which converts to about 137cm (wide) x 190.5cm (long) in centimeters. It's wider than a twin bed and can be used by one adult or two children.
"Full XL" (Full Extra Long): This bed measures 54 inches (wide) x 80 inches (long), which converts to about 137cm (wide) x 203cm (long) in centimeters. A Full XL bed is more spacious for one person to lie in and is especially suitable for taller people. So, if you're someone who likes to sprawl out on the bed or if you're relatively tall, a Full XL may be a very good choice.
Double Beds
Queen Bed: This bed measures 60 inches (wide) x 80 inches (long), which converts to about 152.5cm (wide) x 203cm (long) in centimeters. It's larger than a Full bed and can comfortably accommodate two adults.
King Bed: This bed measures 76 inches (wide) x 80 inches (long), which converts to about 193cm (wide) x 203cm (long) in centimeters. This is the largest standard bed size, offering ample space.
California King Bed: This bed measures 72 inches (wide) x 84 inches (long), which converts to 183cm (wide) x 213.5cm (long) in centimeters. Although it's narrower than a standard King bed, it's longer than a King bed. For particularly tall people, this bed is a great choice.
Sqft.
"Sqft" is an abbreviation for "square feet".
Multiply by 0.0929 to get the area in square meters, or multiply by 0.028 to get it in pings (a traditional Chinese unit of area).
200 square feet (sqft):
- Approximately 18.58 square meters
- Approximately 5.62 pings
500 square feet (sqft):
- Approximately 46.45 square meters
- Approximately 14.05 pings
1000 square feet (sqft):
- Approximately 92.9 square meters
- Approximately 28.1 pings
Conclusion
For more articles related to studying abroad, you're welcome to visit the RosyArts specialized study abroad page：Link
Welcome to follow the RosyArts Blog, where I'll share more articles on study abroad-related topics. Having gone through all this information, you should now be familiar with various types of accommodation and terminology, and can confidently communicate with landlords or housing agencies. I hope this comprehensive guide will help you find your ideal accommodation and leave you with wonderful memories from your renting adventure in the US.
Common Furniture Vocabulary
floor plan – A detailed layout or blueprint of the rooms and interior features in a building.
stainless steel appliances – Durable, rust-resistant home appliances made from stainless steel.
countertops – Flat, typically horizontal surfaces in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas, usually where food is prepared or work is done.
sundeck – An outdoor space, like a terrace or balcony, designed for people to sit or lie in the sun.
moving services – Services provided by companies to help individuals or businesses move their belongings from one place to another.
on-site laundry – Laundry facilities located within the premises of a housing complex or building, typically containing washing machines and dryers for use by the residents.
24/7 concierge – A service provided in residential or commercial buildings where assistance is available round-the-clock for various tasks such as receiving packages, booking services, etc.
wardrobe/closet /armoire – A tall piece of furniture or a space built into a wall, used for hanging or storing clothes.
chest of drawers – A piece of furniture featuring multiple horizontal drawers, typically used for storing clothes or other personal items.
stove – An appliance designed for cooking and heating food. It typically has burners (for stovetop cooking) and an oven (for baking or roasting).
love seat – A small sofa that is large enough to seat two people comfortably.
refrigerator – An electrical appliance used to store food and drink at low temperatures to preserve freshness.
floor lamp – A tall, freestanding light fixture designed to stand on the floor and provide ambient or task lighting.
microwave – A kitchen appliance that uses microwave radiation to quickly heat and cook food.
