Dear New Occupant of Lawrence Townhouse 204,
As the school year is coming to an end and finals are right around the corner, I’ve began to pack up my dorm room. To me, however, this room is so much more than just a 12-foot by 16-foot space where I spend my time sleeping and studying. This is a place that I’ve been lucky enough to call my second home. As the pictures are coming down and the drawers are emptying out, I’m able to reflect upon this past year with sentimentality. I will likely never step foot again in this room that has given me some of the best memories this past year, but in just four short months, you will. You’ll be putting new pictures up over the chipped plaster, complaining about the squeaky closet doors, and making memories of your own in this dorm room.
You may be skeptical upon move in day, just as I was this past September. This townhouse is definitely not the typical living situation for a college student. Each townhouse consists of a common room, six bedrooms and three bathrooms to be shared among 12 girls. Whenever I mentioned my living situation to anyone I got the same look of shock with a sarcastic response similar to “you couldn't pay me to do that.” I’m sure by now, you’re all too familiar with this as well. But, here I am eight months later looking back upon my less than ideal living situation with great nostalgia.
The saying “it’s not where you live, it’s who you live with” certainly rang true for me this semester as I hope it does for you too. What other time in your life will you be able to say that you lived with 12 of your best friends? Never. I was able to learn more about my roommates, sharing a space, and myself than I ever could have imagined. By living with 12 girls, you’ll never have to do anything alone; whether it be going to dinner or the gym you’re bound to be accompanied by at least one other person. Packing for move-in day is a breeze when you realize you’ll be able to share most of the items you thought you needed to lug to campus because trust me you don’t need five brooms. And when you’re going out on the weekend? You have 12 closets to raid to find the perfect outfit so you’ll never have to wear anything twice.
Now, I’m not saying drama won’t come up and you’ll get along every second of everyday. With 12 personalities, lots of hormones, and two showers, people are bound to get under each others skin, but don't let petty drama ruin your friendships. Let it go or express how you feel in a tactful way. Also, if it ever gets too much to handle, a quick escape won’t hurt; whether it be a walk downtown, trip to the gym or visiting friends in another dorm.
Looking back upon the memories I made amongst these four walls, I’ve come to the realization that even though I definitely would not want to repeat this experience, I would not change it for the world. This townhouse has changed me, made me grow as a person, and left me with some of the best memories. Junior year will lead me to a new room where new memories will be made just as you'll be making new ones in my old room. I hope you’re able to find as much joy living here as I did and please cherish every moment of the next year as it will fly by.
Sincerely,
The Former Occupant of Lawrence Townhouse 204
P.S. Try not to hit your head on the light above the bed- I’m pretty sure I’ll have a permanent bruise!
