Around this time last year, I remember being beyond excited for the beginning of my freshman year of college. I was ready to meet new people, study in a new environment, and experience living away from home for the first time. Although the idea of living in a dorm seemed fun, one thing I wasn't too sure about was having to use a community bathroom. I've always had to share a bathroom with my sister, and as a clean freak, that's difficult enough, but having to share a bathroom with over 20 guys seemed like a nightmare. While I would be lying if I said I'm going to miss having to use a community bathroom this year, I can say that I'm glad I had the experience. For those of you who will be living community style for the first time, I thought I would share five rules to go by to make the experience better for you and those who you'll be sharing with.

1. Shower shoes

My first piece of advice would have to be to wear some type of shoe at all times. Never, under any circumstances, go into the bathroom barefoot. Buy yourself a pair of inexpensive flip flops or slip ons that dry quickly to use when you anytime you have to walk in the bathroom, or anywhere in the residence hall for that matter. Also, depending on your particular bathroom, all the showers share about three drains. I would advise using the shower stalls without the drain when available. You'll see why.

2. Disinfecting wipes

One thing I didn't even think about till I saw that my roommate brought some, were clorox wipes. Take one every time you know you'll be sitting down and wipe down the toilet seat. While you're at it, you might as well wipe down a couple extra surfaces that are in your path. Some call it crazy, I call it community service.

3. FLUSH!!!

This one might seem obvious to some, but you would be surprised at how many grown men seem to forget this elementary courtesy. If I had a dollar for every time I saw someone go into a stall and leave without hearing a single flush, I could pay for my textbooks. If you don't already do it now, you still have some time left to try and make it a habit. It's super easy and takes maybe half of a second.

4. Check for toilet paper

Always check your stall for toilet paper, or even bring your own roll with you. Trust me, you only make this mistake once. I'm trying to prevent you from learning the hard way. You can thank me later.

5. Clear the sink

When 20 people are sharing four sinks, they can easily get really nasty if each person doesn't make sure to leave it clean once they're done. Not everyone likes to find the remnants of no-shave November, last night's ramen noodles, or your blue toothpaste (it's always the person with the blue toothpaste) covering the sink.

If you, and hopefully your hall-mates, can follow these simple rules, your community bathroom experience can be that much more tolerable. At least you can look forward to not having to clean it yourself! Just try not to make the janitors' job more difficult than it has to be.