The school year has started once again, and these new schedules are bringing about far more than just new professors, assignments and exams; they're bringing an entire class of new freshmen. Most colleges and universities require freshmen to live in on-campus housing, or dorms. As happy as I was to get out of the dorms and into my off-campus apartment, I must admit that there were definitely some perks to living there. Dorms, while often annoying, were invented for fun.
Dorms were invented for experimenting. They were made for dying your friend's jet-black hair a dark shade of blue, knowing it won't show up but trying valiantly nonetheless. Dorms are for praying that you won't get fined for having blue dye stains scattered around the white cabinet.
Dorms were invented for inviting over everyone in your welcome week group to host your first college party. They're for squeezing 22 new friends into that tiny cell you call home. They're for sleeping three to a bed and making sure your RA doesn't find out about the party.
Dorms were invented for being innovative with your microwave, because that's the only way to make food. They force you to pick a side: chicken or beef Ramen? They're for sneaking Tupperware containers of food from the dining hall to re-heat at midnight. They're for hiding your banned coffee pot behind stacks of books any time you hear a knock on the door. They're for hiding that stray kitten, too.
Dorms were invented for fighting with your roommate. They were made for harsh comments in the dead of night about how rude and selfish you both are. They were made for apologies the next day. They were made for forgiveness.
Dorms were invented for bringing your best friend Levi up the basement after curfew, even though all you plan to do is speech homework. They're for laughing at 3 a.m., praying you don't wake your roommate up for the third time this week. They were made for begging Levi to help you de-loft your bed at the end of the year.
Dorms were invented for Friday night movie marathons after your best friend goes through a break up. They're for tear-stained pillows, ripping up old photographs, and lots of chocolate. They're for telling her she's just as hot as Mila Kunis in "Friends With Benefits," and she could totally wind up with Ashton Kutcher.
Without the assistance of dorms, I wouldn't be friends with some of the people I now call family. In the moment they feel like a prison, but I have grown to remember my dorm memories with a certain fondness. I hope you current freshmen learn to do the same!
