I've lived in dorms for the past two years of my college career- first
on the fourth floor of Deming Hall with my roommate, Liz, and second on
my own in the smaller second floor of Morey Hall. This year, I've had
about enough with dorms. They're part of the college experience, as
everyone knows, and I think it's good to experience living on your own
for the first time in such a setting. However, not all things are
peaches and cream- here's some of the best and worst things about living in a dorm that you should know before the school year begins:
1. The Move In Day
Good news: you're getting your own place, away from the place you grew up and away from your parents. You get to make your own decisions, forge your own path, and live the way you see fit. It is truly a freeing day. The bad news: you have to haul all of your stuff up to whatever floor you're living on. Other bad news: it's hot as hell since it's smack dab in the middle of summer. Have fun bringing your parents and trying to haul that mini fridge up four flights of stairs.
You have your freedom, but at what cost!
2. The Communal Bathrooms
You never have to clean your bathroom, and it's only down the hall from your door? Sounds like a dream. The down side is everyone else around you on your floor is gross and leaves a mess every single time they head in there. And that moment where you accidentally close your door and lock it when you head out to shower? The worst. Still, man... Pretty gross.
3. The Noise
While during the day it's like any other place- quiet, peaceful, convenient- at night, it's a whole other ballgame. On one hand, there will always be drama and talk among the cliques in the hall, but on the other, the person next to you won't turn their reality TV show down for you to get some sleep for that final you have tomorrow. Be ready for that all night, every night- hope you sleep like a truck.
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4.The Dining Hall Food
All-you-can-eat, three square meals a day that you don't have to prepare. You have your choice of a variety of entrees, side dishes, salads, soups, desserts, you name it- it's truly food heaven. After a while, though,the food starts to get to you. I have to eat at the dining hall, again? Eventually it doesn't sound so appealing after a semester.
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5. The Group
You'll find the group you fit into at college, and then you'll go everywhere with them. The group game will in fact be on point. But, with every good group comes drama, as well as having to deal with other people's groups. Eventually, you'll love your own group and hate everyone else's.
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Even though college and its dorm life has its ups and downs, you have to take the good with the bad. It's an experience, and you might as well enjoy the ride through the school year. Even if it's bad, you won't be alone- your friends will probably be experiencing the same thing, and at the very least, you can bitch about it together. Dorm life: bringing people together by complaining about it. Have fun!
