As I settle into my new apartment for my sophomore year of college, I’ve learned there are several pros and cons to both dorm and apartment living. Although it has only been a few days, I can already detect a dramatic difference between the two. Below I’ll be sharing my thoughts on five ways living in a dorm differs from living in an apartment and the highlights of both situations.

Social Life

Social life in a dorm is different from social life in an apartment for a variety of reasons. In a dorm, you can’t go anywhere without passing a few people, even just to use the hall restroom or do laundry. In an apartment, you become close with your roommates but have fewer opportunities to get to know people living around you outside of your room. On the other hand, dorm life comes with hundreds of rules restricting the number of people allowed in your room at certain times and the volume level. Living in an apartment comes with less rules on this issue making it easier to host people.

Location

Although it differs from school to school, in many cases, dorms are at the heart of the college or university. They are centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk to academic buildings, parking lots and athletic facilities. Apartments are usually on the outskirts of campus or off campus. It’s nice being only a short walk from class and dining services, but also refreshing to have an escape away from the chaos of campus.

Food

For the most part, it’s extremely difficult to cook meals in a dorm. When you only have a mini fridge and microwave, meals usually revolve around cereal, mac and cheese, soup, or other simple meals like these. Having a full kitchen makes a world of difference. It also makes it easier to eat healthy.

Cleaning

Cleaning a dorm was easy in the sense that it was such a small space. But since it was so small, it made it difficult to keep everything organized. Cleaning an apartment comes with more responsibilities and space to clean, but more space to keep everything together. Your entire wardrobe is no longer crammed into three or four drawers.

Independence

Moving into an apartment comes with many more responsibilities but also a great deal of independence which is exciting. You have your own space and do not have an RA checking in on you all the time. You do not necessarily have a roommate encouraging you to go to the library or gym. Your decisions become your own and it is up to you to make the best ones.

College is all about new experiences and enjoying every stage of it. All stages of housing are special and come with ups and downs. Leaving home after spending the summer there, whether you are a freshman or a senior, is always an adjustment. Making your dorm or apartment a home away from home is the key to an overall happy year. I encourage everyone to experience both dorm and apartment living at some point. They are so different but equally exciting and a part of the whole college experience.