Rushing Cooperatives my senior year of high school was probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done. Between the house tours, the interviews, and the constant smiling, you get exhausted really quick. Had I known these things were to come, maybe I wouldn't have fought my mom, kicking and screaming, begging her to not make me go.
1. Closets are itty-bitty-teeny-tiny.
My heart was not prepared to downsize my wardrobe, but you sacrifice for the things you love.
2. It's a lot of responsibility.
Your house depends on everyone working together and doing their part. Whether it's meal prep or a cleaning duty, we rely on each other to keep our house functioning properly. There's no house chef, no Merry Maids, no landscapers, just dedicated house members.
3. There is no such thing as alone time.
Privacy goes out the window. People will be in and out of your room constantly. Your roommate will learn every disgusting habit you have and vice versa. However, when you're home on break, you'll find yourself cursing the silence and wishing you were surrounded by your favorite weirdos.
4. The CAD is the best thing to ever happen to you.
Knowing your bed is waiting for you becomes the only thing that gets you through the day. The constant dark and quiet mean that a quick 20-minute nap, turns into three missed classes and no dinner but you're well rested, so you're not even mad.
5. Buying textbooks suddenly becomes less of a burden.
Ladies and Gentleman before you have paid the full price, and left their materials behind. In return, you pay it forward and leave your own behind, too.
6. There are so many people to meet.
The cooperative system has seven girl's houses and five boy's houses so there is always someone to meet. Hardly ever do you walk out of the house and not see someone from the cooperative system. It's both a blessing and a curse when you walk out of the house in old sweats and a tee.
7. There are so many ways to get involved.
Whether it is within your own house, on on the Cooperative Council, your resume will be blossoming with leadership roles and responsibilities, sure to impress any future employer.
8. So. Much. Networking.
The camaraderie among cooperative members is second to none. With members all over the U.S, it's easy to have connections in almost any industry and area.
9. There are scholarships available within the Cooperative system.
Got a 3.0 or better? Studying abroad? There's a scholarship for that.
10. It's very affordable.
Because we are self-sufficient, we have the lowest housing prices on campus.
11. Regardless of what house you join, it will easily be the best decision of your life.
Whether you're a girl or guy, introverted or extroverted, there is a cooperative house for you, ready to be made a home.
I can't speak for every house on campus, but in my experience, these are the things that take the cooperative cake. I have 34 new sisters, 34 new closets, and house-full of shoulders to laugh/cry on. College wouldn't be the same without y'all.
