1. Create a Community Lot: Build your dorm on a community lot. This allows Sims to visit it without needing to live there, simulating the shared-space aspect of a dorm.
2. Design Shared Spaces: Include common areas like:
* A large kitchen: With multiple counters, appliances, and dining space. Consider using communal items to emphasize the shared nature.
* A lounge: Include comfortable seating, a TV, possibly a game console (if you have the University expansion pack).
* Study areas: Set up desks, computers, and bookshelves in a designated study room or common area.
* Bathrooms: Create multiple bathrooms to avoid long waits (especially crucial if your dorm has many Sims).
3. Create Small, Shared Bedrooms: Build small bedrooms with only the essentials: a bed, a small dresser, and maybe a desk. Avoid making them too lavish to maintain the dorm atmosphere. You might even share a single bathroom between two bedrooms.
4. Use Roommates (or not): The Sims 2 doesn't have a built-in roommate system like later games. To simulate roommates, simply move multiple Sims into the dorm building, placing them in the shared bedrooms. Alternatively you could have individual Sims move in and treat the dorm as an apartment complex.
5. Use University (if you have the expansion pack): If you own *University*, you can use the dorm building lot type and objects from that expansion pack to create a more authentic university dorm experience. This will provide the most accurate representation of dorms in the Sims 2.
6. Consider Lot Challenges: Make it more realistic by adding challenges like limited funds, shared chores, and establishing dorm rules within the household.
In essence, you're creating the *feeling* of a dorm through building design and gameplay mechanics, rather than utilizing a specific game feature. The University expansion pack, if you have it, significantly enhances the possibilities.