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Shipping Container Dorms

Custom Container Living offers innovative dorm housing solutions, transforming repurposed shipping containers into modern, sustainable, and cost-effective student housing. Our container dorms provide an innovative, cost-effective alternative to traditional student housing, combining affordability, efficiency, and durability.

Custom Container Living delivers turnkey housing solutions designed to address the urgent need for fast, scalable, and economical accommodations on and off campus. From first-time college students to growing enrollment challenges, our modular units provide fully functional dorm rooms, private bathrooms, and shared living spaces, designed for both efficiency and sustainability. If you’re building new housing or expanding an existing campus footprint, our shipping container housing provides flexible layouts, quick setup, and transparent pricing

Discover why colleges and universities across the country are turning to Custom Container Living for durable, scalable student accommodations.

Dorm Housing

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DISCOVER OUR DORM FLOOR PLANS

These are just a few of the dorm container models we offer. All of our container dorms are fully modular and can be stacked or configured to meet your campus or project needs, and we can tailor layouts to fit your space and accommodate your students comfortably.

DOUBLE 20 DORM

The scholars square

2-20′ ft | 320 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 2 STUDENTS

Starting at: $86,900

Smart and efficient, this double 20′ floor plan offers a large open living area with a kitchenette and a full bathroom, providing a comfortable, functional, and stylish home environment for up to two students with plenty of storage space.

SINGLE 40 WITH SHARED BATH FOR 2 STUDENTS

The bunkhouse dorm – lofted beds

1-40′ | 320 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 2 STUDENTS

Starting at: $84,900

This single 40′ floor plan features two private living areas separated by a shared central bathroom. Each side includes a built-in desk beneath an elevated bed platform, maximizing space while keeping things private and functional.

SINGLE 40 DORM WITH SHARED BATH FOR 4 STUDENTS

The bunkhouse dorm – bunkbeds

1-40′ | 320 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 4 STUDENTS

Starting at: $86,900

This single 40′ floor plan offers two private sides with a shared central bathroom. Each side is outfitted with a bunkbed and individual desks, providing space for two students per side while keeping the layout functional and efficient.

The campus corner

1-40′ | 320 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 2 STUDENTS

Starting at: $84,900

Thoughtfully designed, this single 40′ plan positions the bathroom at one end, allowing two students to share the space. With beds at the opposite end, it provides a larger living area with a kitchenette and plenty of storage for clothes, creating a comfortable, functional home.

The D40 – shared bathroom

2-40′ ft | 640 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 4 TO 8 STUDENTS

Starting at: $135,900

Carefully crafted, this double 40′ floor plan features two private sides separated by a shared bathroom. Each side can sleep 2–4 students depending on the bed layout, with bunkbeds accommodating up to four per side. Both sides include a small kitchenette, offering a comfortable and functional living space.

The D40 – two bathroom

2-40′ ft | 640 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 4 TO 8 STUDENTS

Starting at: $139,900

Well-planned, this double 40′ floor plan features two private sides, each with its own bathroom. Each side can sleep 2–4 students depending on the bed layout, with bunkbeds accommodating up to four per side. Both sides include a small kitchenette, creating a comfortable and living space.

The Q40 – four bathroom

5-40′ ft | 1600 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 8 TO 16 STUDENTS

Starting at: $329,000

Carefully arranged, this 2-plex features two double 40′ containers connected by a single 40′ container, creating a covered entry area. Within the 2-plex are four private rooms, each with its own bathroom and kitchenette. Each room can comfortably sleep 2–4 students with optional bunkbeds, offering a functional, independent living space while keeping privacy and comfort for every resident.

The Q40 – Two bathroom

5-40′ ft | 1600 SQ. FT.

IDEAL FOR 8 TO 16 STUDENTS

Starting at: $323,900

Well-planned, this 2-plex layout features two double 40′ containers connected by a single 40′ container, creating a covered entry area. Within the 2-plex are four private rooms, with two rooms on each side sharing a bathroom. Each room can comfortably sleep 2–4 students with optional bunkbeds, providing a functional and connected living space while maintaining privacy and comfort.

When student population grows, your housing must be able to grow with it. We offer a scalable dorm solution that leverages our stackable unit design to maximize campus density. Our flexible modules allow for quick, efficient construction of new dorms, letting you precisely manage your capacity. Choose a solution that is built for growth, allowing you to rapidly deliver comfortable, quality housing without the traditional construction timeline or costs.

Why Choose Container Housing?

When student enrollment grows faster than campus infrastructure, schools need housing solutions that are fast, flexible, and affordable. Shipping container housing provides a proven method for delivering high-quality dormitory space without the disruptions, delays, and costs associated with traditional construction.

Affordable & Cost-Effective

  • Universities and colleges seeking budget-friendly options can benefit from our prefabricated housing units. These units are quicker to install than conventional student housing, reducing construction costs and project timelines.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly

  • Repurposed shipping containers are converted into functional dorms, minimizing waste and promoting eco-conscious building practices. Each unit can be outfitted with energy-efficient systems, including solar panels and sustainable insulation, contributing to a greener campus environment.

Customizable & Scalable

  • From single-occupancy units to multi-unit dorm complexes, our designs cater to a range of student housing needs. Institutions can configure layouts with bedrooms, shared living room spaces, private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and study spaces to enhance the student experience. Modular layouts can also accommodate tiny homes or tiny home clusters for flexible, small-footprint housing solutions. Our flexible floor plans allow for efficient use of space while maintaining comfort.

Durability & Safety

  • Built with reinforced steel and weather-resistant materials, our container units provide a sturdy, secure, and long-lasting housing solution. State-of-the-art safety features and strong modular construction ensure residents stay comfortable and protected in any environment. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, these container units offer peace of mind for both students and campus administrators.

Design & Layout Options

Our modular homes come in a variety of configurations to accommodate different student needs. We offer flexible layouts for individual dorm rooms, shared housing, and large-scale housing, all of which are customizable to suit your specific campus needs.

  • Single-Occupancy Units: Private bedrooms with attached bathrooms and study spaces.

  • Shared Housing Units: Multiple bedrooms with shared common areas, including kitchenettes and living spaces.

  • Multi-Unit Complexes: Larger residence halls with interconnected container units featuring communal lounges, on-site laundry facilities, and study rooms.

  • Custom Floor Plans: Institutions can work with our team to create designs tailored to meet specific campus requirements.

  • ADA-Compliant: Designed to meet ADA requirements and support special needs students with accessible entrances, bathrooms, and layouts that promote independence and comfort.

We design each unit to provide a comfortable and functional living environment. Every detail is built with student comfort and efficiency in mind, from layout to finish. Choose a solution that students will be proud to call home. Standard features include:

  • Kitchenettes with energy-efficient appliances for convenient meal preparation.
  • Living Spaces that offer a welcoming and modern atmosphere for students.
  • Climate-Control Systems to ensure a comfortable indoor temperature year-round.
  • Ample Storage Solutions to maximize space efficiency.
  • Modern Finishes that support a positive college living experience.
  • Private Bathroom configurations are available in both single-occupancy and shared units.
Our streamlined construction process ensures a smooth transition from design to move-in. Stay on schedule and on budget with fast and efficient installation that minimizes interruptions to campus life. The steps include:

  1. Consultation & Planning: We work with institutions to determine their housing needs and customize floor plans accordingly.
  2. Manufacturing & Prefabrication: Shipping container dorm units are built and outfitted off-site, minimizing campus disruptions and ensuring daily operations run smoothly.
  3. Delivery & Installation: Fully assembled dorm rooms and housing units are transported to the site and set up quickly.
  4. Final Inspection & Move-In: Once installed, a thorough inspection is conducted to ensure quality and safety before students move in.
  5. Ongoing Maintenance Support: We provide maintenance recommendations and support to keep container housing in excellent condition.

Colleges and universities are rethinking how they house students, and container-based dorms are meeting that challenge head-on. From permanent residence halls to flexible temporary solutions, our modular designs adapt to your campus needs while saving time, space, and money. 

  • University & College Campuses: Economical, quickly deployable dormitories for growing enrollment and long-term campus use.
  • Temporary Housing Solutions: Ideal for campuses undergoing renovations or expansions that need short-term or new housing options.
  • Off-Campus Student Living: A practical alternative for students seeking independent, cost-effective housing options that include modern amenities like a living room and private bathroom.
  • Residence Halls: Institutions can integrate this scalable solution into existing campus infrastructure to house the student body efficiently.
  • Remote or Satellite Campuses: Deploy modular, tiny home-style units to support distant learning hubs or research sites.

Recent Shipping Container Dorm Projects

Institutions appreciate our transparency in pricing, the scalability of our designs, and our ability to meet urgent deadlines tied to rising enrollment demands.

Fisk University’s Shipping Container Dorm Project

One of the pioneering institutions in adopting shipping container dorms, Fisk University, successfully implemented these housing solutions to accommodate student growth while maintaining affordability and sustainability.

On-Campus & Modular Student Housing Solutions

Custom Container Living has collaborated with multiple universities to design and implement micro-apartments and shipping container dorms that maximize space, comfort, and functionality. Our streamlined construction process ensures fast move-in times, allowing students to settle into their new living spaces with ease.

Get Started with Custom Shipping Container homes

Are you exploring a first-time student housing program, rolling out new housing infrastructure, or adding tiny home-style units to campus? Our expert team is here to guide you step by step with transparent pricing, fast timelines, and durable results.

We specialize in building high-quality shipping container housing to meet the unique needs of today’s colleges and universities. We’re ready to help you revolutionize your campus strategy with sustainable, economical shipping container student housing options.