Whether you're a prospective college dormer, a current on-campus resident (like me) or anything in between, certain elements attribute to your future, or present, stay on campus. From moving into your room on day one, to coexisting with your roommate and fellow floormates, you will experience many types of people and environments all under one, massive roof.
From my personal experiences, I have comprised a list of five factors of the college dorm life that I've encountered, and have given tips on how you may be able to tackle these said factors.
1. The Roommate
The first thing that comes to your mind when deciding to dorm, and possibly your worst nightmare: sharing your living space. Unless you snag up a single room, it's inevitable that you're going to be living with someone in the spacial equivalent of an office cubical. It's intimidating to think about living, sleeping, and breathing with someone that you probably consider a stranger. But after some time, the both of you won't think anything of it.
Tip: Before the start of the semester, get to know this person, so this 'stranger' doesn't feel so strange come move-in day. This is where Facebook stalking is totally acceptable and completely rational. Get to know who they are and what they like.
While living together, find a common ground between the both of you. Relating to your roommate can help you better understand who they are as a person.
If worse comes to worst, remember: your roommate isn't set in stone. If you both don't get along, next semester is a brand new beginning.
2. The RAs
Your dorm is like your home away from home, and the RAs are like your parents away from your legitimate parents. They're not out to get you, they don't have a monthly quota of write-ups to hand out and they don't take pleasure in calling Public Safety. What they do take pleasure in is ensuring your safety. Your RAs want you to have a fun and safe college experience. Although they won't make your favorite meal nor tuck you in at night, your RAs are looking out for you.
Tip: Befriend your RAs. Get to know them as the people that they are. They may be older than you, or in some cases the same age, but they're people too, with real people emotions. It'll make your dorm life easier knowing who they are.
3. The Floormates
AKA: some of my favorite people I've ever met.
These are the people you'll see most regularly, but may know the least about. You'll pass them by in the hallways, you'll say hello, and you'll go your separate ways. You may know more about their music tastes than anything, as it's blaring through the paper-thin walls, stretching over to your room; or by hearing them belt Adele in the showers.
On the flip side, they may become your favorite people, and if you're lucky, your best friends. The best decision I've made in my dorming career is getting to know the people I shared a floor with. They've made my life as a resident beyond enjoyable and definitely memorable.
Tip: Like the RAs, you should befriend them. You're going to spend a lot of time on your floor, so you want to make it as gratifying as possible. Don't be afraid to hang out or strike up a conversation with them one day.
Don't burn bridges. You're going to run into these people on a daily basis, so don't make it awkward.
Also, never hook up with these people. Never. Don't do it. Only from observing and reporting, it's a 'no bueno' situation.
4. The Bathrooms
The toilets, the sinks, the showers. It's all there. If you're like me, you may be horrified with sharing a bathroom with just one other person, let alone 10 or more people. Whatever the amount of sharing just a few toilets is, it's an adventure to say the least.
Tip: Be kind to the maintenance people. They clean up your mess time after time, so the least you could do is flash a smile, or a friendly 'hello' if you pass them by.
Also, wear shoes at all times. The floors are probably the greatest mystery your campus holds, so just be safe and cover your feet.
Lastly, don't make a mess. Clean up after yourself for the sake of others, and please, don't forget to flush.
5. The Elevator
If you have the luxury of living on the first two or three floors in your building, you're in luck. Sharing a confined space with a couple of strangers for an allotted amount of time may be more awkward than you'd expect.
Tip: Be friendly. Offer to push the floor button of the person getting on if you're closest to the panel.
Don't ride the elevator to a floor above or below the one you're currently on. Please be considerate of the people that are waiting to go up seven floors by taking the stairs. It's good cardio, and your butt will get super toned.
