Years ago I had a book that listed all the colleges/universities both private and public that rented out dorm rooms to the traveler. I can't find this reference book anywhere - and wonder if anyone is familiar with this?

We stayed at some wonderful college dorms (including free breakfasts) that riveled some of the nicer hotels. The costs were usually about $25-50 per family per night.

I should add that it is only permitted to stay during summer break and other school time when the students are not in school.

Can't help you too much, but here's a website with a few ideas.

http://www.reidsguides.com/t_h/t_h_university.html

I know that London School of Econ is pretty popular and has multiple ranges of rooms (ensuite or not, AC or not, etc).

We stayed at the London School of Economics Northumberland House last year and found it thoroughly satisfactory.

McGill in Montreal rents out accommodation in the summer but it is often snapped up quickly. I think you can find the info on the university website.
By the way, prices have gone up! Seem to be closer to $50 per person today and no free breakfasts!

nanabee, Were you thinking of a particular country?

I, too, have stayed in LSE accommodation and would do so again. I'll be staying in an Oxford college next year (see http://universityrooms.co.uk/ )

You could also look at YWCAs - I just stayed in one in Vancouver.

I stayed at Bangor University way back in the 70s. They still offer rooms. Singles only, but they now do B&B.

http://www.bangor.ac.uk/conference_office/

The best way to find out what is available is to go to the website of the university you are interested in, or Google the University followed by holiday accommodation.

I've done it in London. You can usually find city-specific suggestions in guidebooks geared toward budget travellers (e.g., Let's Go Guides).

I've also found some good suggestions in Sandra Gustafson's "Great Sleeps and Eats" guidebooks (in the section on alternative accommodation options). In addition to dorms, she has also sometimes pointed out options like convents and monasteries.