College Dorm: The 10x10 space you share with someone you met on the day you moved into the said space. It's typically a real downgrade from the space you had at home, especially since you didn't have a roommate.
I suffered through living in a dorm my freshman year, but my roommate and I were able to use a few tricks to make it more doable (we actually managed to become friends and live together.)
1. Get a mini fridge.
The importance of a mini fridge cannot be overstated. In the first couple of months that you're laying in your bed sweating to death without air conditioning, keep ice in it to eat before bed. When it gets to be ridiculously cold in the winter and you avoid going outside for consecutive days, you can keep other food in there as a convenience.
2. Talk to your roommate.
You don't have to be bffs with them, but getting to know them makes it nicer to be home. You're sharing your tiny space with them, so it's nice to at least know them a little.
3. Loft your bed if you can.
The biggest problem in the dorm is space, and lofting your bed will seriously help out with that. It might be a little more tough to get into at night, but you'll learn to appreciate it.
4. Talk to your roommate.
Okay, so you've gotten to know them now. If they do something that upsets you, talk to them about it. Be straight up with them; it's no fun to have a passive-aggressive relationship with someone you share a 10x10 space with.
5. Don't keep everything that you own in your dorm.
All you really need is your books and your clothes. Don't be bringing all your garbage, like that trophy you won in 7th grade for a sport you don't even play anymore. Stop that. Your roommate won't like you and you'll regret it when you realize you have no space for anything in your room.
6. Get out of your dorm from time to time.
It's not a fun time to hang out in the dorm all the time and it gets old very fast. Branch out and make some friends that don't live in a dorm.
7. Get on good terms with your RA.
It's just generally a good idea to be on good terms with your RA. Their job is to be there for you, so utilize that.
8. Use the lounge/kitchenette.
Typically every floor in a dorm building will have its own lounge/kitchenette, which is good for making things other than ramen or cold stuff from the mini fridge. Utilize that, you'll appreciate it.
9. Shower. At least every other day.
This is a part of being on good terms with your roommate. Even if you don't notice the smell, they will. I haven't had a roommate like this, but I've heard awful stories. Be considerate, they didn't choose to experience your BO. Use some deodorant.
10. Get out of the dorms ASAP.
If on campus apartments are available, go for that. You may even find that they are cheaper than dorms and have a lot more space. I switched from dorms to an on campus apartment after my first year for half the price I was paying before.
If not, you should at least explore going off campus for housing. Apartments > dorms any day of the week.
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