Keep a copy of the room report that you received when you first arrived. This assessment explains what type of condition the dorm room was in at the time that you moved in.
Compare the end-of-the-year assessment to the initial version. At the end of the year, your dorm adviser comes in and records the condition of the room. If there have been no changes, you are eligible to get back your deposit.
Contact the housing department. They can give you details on how you can collect your dorm damage deposit. You may have to put in a written request and wait for the check to be mailed to you.
Wait until your next year's bill. Some universities do not mail out checks for dorm damage deposits. Instead, the amount that you paid is put towards your bill the following semester.
Appeal any unfair decisions. If you feel that your deposit is being kept wrongfully, then find out the process for appealing the housing department's decision.