To my college dorm,
Thank you for being my home away from home. At first, your blank white walls and plain tile floors made me homesick. Walking into my small 15-by-15 room, I had no idea how I would fit all of my clothes into your wardrobe. I had no idea where my fridge would fit, how I would store all of my food, or where I would get ready in the morning. Then, I got to bring in all of my decorations, furniture and storage units. It finally felt like home when I was finished decorating. I suddenly realized that yes, all of my clothes and food would fit with room to spare. You were my first home away from my parents and siblings. You were the first place I learned to make my own rules, manage my own time and make decisions all on my own.
Thank you for being just what I needed. Thank you for your not-so-comfortable bed that quickly became the most comfortable bed I'd ever slept in (after I added a mattress pad, of course). Thank you for being the place where I could express my creativity and my style. Thank you for letting me turn you into a part of me.
Thank you for being my sanctuary. Thank you for being somewhere I could go when I was stressed out or tired. I will never forget endless nights of Netflix and popcorn. I cannot count the number of hours I spent with you, napping, FaceTiming my family or eating. Thank you for being there for me and my friends to hang out. Thank you for being there when I wanted a midnight snack. Thank you for the countless hours of laughter. You housed so many sleepovers and made them spectacular. Thank you for giving me a place to rest and relax. Thank you for keeping me safe. Thank you for all of the memories. From staying up until 2 a.m. studying, to staying up until 2 a.m. having fun times with friends, countless memories have been made within your walls. In my little 15-by-15 dorm, I made thousands of happy memories.
Now, as we come to the end of the year, it's almost time to move out. I will be leaving with far more clothes and shoes than I arrived with. I will be packing up books I had never dreamed I would read. I am sure that as I clean out my things, I will discover things I forgot existed. My headphones that fell under my bed, the pizza I forgot was in my fridge and the random sock that somehow wound up behind my dresser will be discovered. And once the room is empty, I will realize how much you meant to me. You were my second home, you were my safe space. The room I once dreaded trying to fit all of my stuff in is no longer mine. I will miss you. Thank you for the memories. I am going to miss you next year, and I hope whoever gets you next takes good care of you.
Love,
Your resident
