If living on my own has taught me anything, it’s that I should have appreciated living in a dorm while I had the chance. Sure, the rooms are small and the bathrooms are shared, but there are a lot of benefits to living in dorms than most people seem to realize.

1. It’s super convenient

Living off campus has really made me appreciate how good I had it while living in my dorm. It was a lot easier to be involved in campus activities when everything was within ten minutes from my room. Now it takes at least fifteen minutes just to get to campus, and usually another ten or so to find a parking space. It’s only a difference of a few minutes, but those minutes really add up, especially in the winter time when the only thing between you and a nice cup of cocoa is a quick walk across campus.

2. You don’t have to clean the bathroom

In most cases, bathrooms are shared with everyone on the same floor. While this is a pain at times, the one pro outweighs all the cons: you don’t actually have to clean the bathroom, and as anyone who’s ever had to clean a bathroom will tell you, this is definitely something to be appreciated while it lasts.

3. It’s cheap...ish

At first glance, paying to stay in a dorm for three and a half months up front can make the cost seem ridiculous. But when you factor in that the price includes utilities, wi-fi, fun activities, and bathroom cleaning services, on top of just having a place to sleep, it starts to seem less outrageous. Besides, there’s something comforting about having it all paid up front, rather than having to worry about monthly payments. Save that worry for when you graduate and have to start paying your loans back.

4. There’s a built-in community of friends

Living in a dorm exposes you to lots of different people, which makes it easier to make friends. And for freshman and transfer students, this can help make coming to a new place seem a little less terrifying. Even for older students, it never hurts to be introduced to new people and broaden your social circle.

5. It’s fun

In most dorms, there’s someone in particular who’s in charge of forcing all the residents to hang out and mingle with each other. Some people might find this kind of forced socialization awkward, but it’s another great way to meet people and make friends. Sure, the icebreakers and team building exercises are cheesy, but they’re an excellent opportunity to bond with your dorm neighbors. And anyway, there’s usually free snacks.

6. It’s safe

Since most dorms are locked so that only residents can enter, they’re one of the safest options for living, especially for people who might be new to town and feeling uneasy about living in a different city. In addition, dorms are usually monitored by resident advisors, so there’s a feeling of security that you just don’t get in a cheap studio apartment in the worst part of town. And let’s be honest, that’s all most of us can afford.