When I first realized I was in a dorm I actually cried. I was terrified, disgusted, and frustrated. While all these other freshman had the great luck to end up with an apartment, I got shoved into a dorm with two other people. My parents calmed me down and told me that it would all be okay, that I would get used to it and maybe even start to enjoy it. They were partially right I suppose. Living in a dorm isn't so bad but I wish I had had some helpful advice on what to expect when I got here. This is advice for incoming freshman about things I wish I had known before leaving home to come live in a much less spacious sort of home.

1. You don't need all that stuff you think you'll need.

Every college is going to send a huge list with tons of items on it that you will "need" for the upcoming year. Don't believe them. I fell for it and ended up buying a bunch of stuff that I've never actually used. Really, all you need is shower stuff (don't forget flip flops!), some school stuff, and bedding. There's really not much room for the rest of the stuff on that list.

2. Get to know your RA.

If you don't know what an RA is, it's basically the person that will let you in the room when you lock yourself out. You can come to them about anything, and they're always willing to help you. Don't be afraid to ask them for help (i.e. when your roommate locks you out of the room, and you're in a bathrobe) and get to know them.

3. You're going to argue with your roommate.

Most likely, it's going to be something small, probably about dishes or cleaning. Just listen to them and take their feelings into consideration. You're going to have to live together for awhile, and you don't want to make them hate you for something small that you can easily fix. The best thing to do with your roommate is to let them know when something is bothering you and talk it out.

4. Expect the unexpected.

Really. Crazy stuff happens in the dorms. I recommend having extra blankets and a fan on stand-by just in case the air conditioning unit in your dorms go haywire. So far this year, the water has backed up in our room, the air conditioner went out, we were pulled into the hall in the middle of the night for a tornado warning, and we had an ants invasion.

5. Try to make the dorm feel as homey as possible.

You're going to get homesick and wish you had your old bed back. I recommend making the dorm your own. Paint the walls, get curtains, and hang pictures! Making your room homey will help alleviate some of the homesickness you will feel. I promise.

6. Odds are the people above you will make a lot of noise.

Or maybe they just really enjoy playing just dance all night before you have a big test. I'm not kidding. The people above us have spontaneous dance parties at two in the morning. Every morning. Be prepared and have ear plugs on stand by.

7. You're going to lock your roommate out.

There's no avoiding it. You don't always pay attention to where your roommate is and whether or not they have their keys. I've received many a text from my roommate accusing me of locking them out (sorry), but it all comes full circle when they lock you out. Just know where you RA is, and try not to leave your keys behind.

8. Make the most of the little things.

Moments like making cookies in the middle of the night with your roommate will mean a lot to you--especially during the craziness of finals week. Instead of constantly searching for big adventures, just relax and enjoy the little memories you will make. Also, embrace little victories you may have! For example, one day you will confidently walk down the hall from your room to your bathroom and realize that it's not so hard to make that long trek anymore. Embrace the small things (like living in a too small dorm) and you'll make the most out of college.