Short answers to the questions we hear most often. If yours isn't here, email us at hello@dormscouter.com.
Using the site
Do I need an account to browse?
No. But having a free account allows you to access some portions of the site not available to everyone as well as make contributions and suggestions for corrections.
Is DormScouter free?
Yes. A basic account fully free. No paywall, We may run occasional non-intrusive ads on specific pages (clearly marked), but the content itself is free and will stay free at this time.
Is my college on DormScouter?
We have dorms from most major U.S. universities and liberal arts colleges. Use the search box on the home page — if your school isn't listed, use the request it link.
My dorm isn't listed under my college. Can I add it?
Yes, submit an add dorm or add room from the college page. We will add the building. Once it exists, you can use the "Add Your Room" wizard to add your specific room.
Contributing
How do I leave a review?
Create a free account, find your room, and click "Write a review." You'll rate overall experience plus specific categories (cleanliness, noise, Wi-Fi, safety, etc.) and can optionally leave tags and comments. Reviews go through a moderation step before appearing publicly.
Can I stay anonymous?
You need a real account to submit content, but your display name is up to you. You can use your first name, initials, or a handle. Your email address is never shown publicly.
Why was my submission rejected?
Usually one of: inappropriate language, personal attacks on individuals, content unrelated to the room, unverifiable claims about serious safety issues, or duplicate submissions. If you think your submission was rejected in error, email us and we'll take another look.
How do I earn points and climb the leaderboard?
Approved reviews, photos, corrections, and comments all award points. Points add up to levels and your rank on the public leaderboard. Accuracy matters — rejected submissions don't count, and repeated spam can cost you points.
Can I edit or delete a review I wrote?
Yes. Go to your profile and click on the review. You can edit the content or delete it outright. If you delete a review, the review-specific points you earned are reversed. A moderator does have to approve your edits before they go live.
Accuracy and moderation
Something on a dorm page is wrong. How do I fix it?
Every dorm page has a "Suggest a correction" button. Pick the field, tell us what it should be, and include a quick explanation. Moderators review every correction — accepted ones go live right away, and you get credit + points.
Who are the moderators?
A mix of the DormScouter team and trusted student volunteers. Moderators can be scoped to specific colleges — so a moderator at School A can't approve or reject content for School B. Volunteer applications are open; email us if you're interested in being a moderator for your school or dorm.
Someone posted something harmful about me or my room. What do I do?
Click the "Report" button on any review, comment, or photo. Reports go to our moderation team and are typically reviewed within 48 hours. If it's urgent (doxxing, threats, explicit content), email us at hello@dormscouter.com and we'll act faster.
Accounts and data
What data do you collect about me?
Only what's needed to run the site: your email, display name, and the content you submit. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
How do I delete my account?
Email us at hello@dormscouter.com from the address on your account. We'll delete your account.
Will my reviews stay up if I graduate or leave?
Yes. Reviews are tied to a moment in time (semester + year of residence) and remain useful to future students even after you leave. You can always come back and edit specific reviews if you change your mind.