Its a new school year for a lot of us, and that means new experiences. Whether that would involve new high school experiences, surviving middle school, or heading off to college. For me personally, I headed off to Ball State University this year and so far it's been the best decision I have made. Aside from the school aspect of things, I have learned a thing or two about living in a dorm, having a roommate, and much more.
1.) Tapestries..Tapestries Everywhere.
I swear I walk down the hall and see more tapestries in rooms than I have ever seen before. College breeds tapestries.
2.) Air Conditioning Is a Privilege, Not A Right.
This is different for every college student, I know a lot of people, who have air conditioning because they have asthma or sleep apnea, thus having the wonderful luxury of air conditioning. Unfortunately, my roommate and I do not have the beloved temperature controlled air. Sometimes, I may or may not wake up in a pool of sweat. After living without air conditioning, in the dorm, for a couple weeks now, I wish I could say that I'm used to it.
3.) The Smell.
Before I get into this, let me start off by saying, the dorms don't smell bad at least mine doesn't. What I'm referring to, is that if someone cooks something in the dorm. Whether that be the infamous ramen, or perhaps heating up leftover tacos from a meal swipe before, that smell..will linger. Depending on the scented potency of the ringlet noodles or a hardshell taco dinner, you might have that smell for a couple days. Though faint in scent, tis its presence is still among us.
4.) These Walls Are Thin.
I feel like I don't really need to explain this one.
5.) Living With Another Human Can Be So Easy.
It doesn't always work out, that people who dorm together end up getting along, but fortunately for myself, my roommate and I get along so well. It makes things so much easier to live together when you connect with that person.
6.) & On The Flip Side, Not So Easy.
Dorms are not big spaces, and you have to find a happy medium with living with that person. My roommate is a sophomore and she shared some horror stories about her previous roommate with me. All I can say is I'm blessed I don't have this problem.
7.) Learning How To Adult.
College is like, fake real life. You're on your own, So the fact that you now live with someone, learning how to time manage, and make fiscally responsible decisions with your money is like how to be an adult.
8.) The Food Is Never-ending.
You can quite literally go down in the hall and eat whenever you so please. It's a thing and its the most beautiful thing.
9.) The Freshman 15.
It's real. Watch yourself.
10.) Shower Shoes Are A Must.
This has never happened to me personally, but you put yourself at risk for stepping on clumps of hair in the shower if you do not wear shoes. They don't have to be fancy, flip flops are perfectly fine. But honestly, take care of your feet. Buy some flip flops.
11.) Don't Take Everything With You.
This is again, a really tight space. Do not bring an apocalyptic stash of everything you own. You will not be able to fit everything into your tiny corner. I promise. If you haven't watched television before in your room at home, the chances of you using it at college are slim to none. So slim to none, it probably won't fit anywhere anyways.
I love college so far, and I hope everyone has amazing experiences as well. It's a new chapter in life and I can't wait to see what else there is waiting.
