I was inspired to write this article when I was listening to my guy friends complain about “courtesy hours.” They live in a nine-man in Vanderslice Hall. For those not familiar with the term, quiet hours at Boston College are times at night or during study weeks when there can be no loud noises that could disrupt the sleeping or studying of students. Courtesy hours are all of the other hours of the day, when only a moderate amount of noise will be tolerated.
I interviewed one of my friends, Mark, who said he could speak for the rest of his suite. Please keep in mind that he was giving me a hard time with his answers because he likes to be a smart aleck.
Me: Can you tell our readers a little bit about you and your roommates? Interests/majors?
Mark: I am a finance major and most of my other roommates are majoring in the sciences.
Me: Was Vanderslice your first choice?
Mark: No.
Me: What was your first choice?
Mark: We wanted an eight-man in Walsh.
Me: Are you generally happy about how it turned out?
Mark: Well, we have been very happy in the air-conditioned Vandy.
Me: Good point. I live in Walsh and the heat is killer. What are some of the things that are bothering you about sophomore living in Vandy at this point?
Mark: Noise complaints during “courtesy hours.”
Me: Has it been the same – perhaps difficult – RA talking to you guys every time? Or different ones?
Mark: They came in twice before 7:30 when we were grooving to Nickleback, and killed our vibes. It’s been two different RA’s, but we’re on good terms with one of them now.
Me: Was this a weeknight?
Mark: Saturday.
Me: OK. Was there anyone outside the nine-man present?
Mark: Just our friend Sid.
Me: How did you all feel about having your door knocked on so many times before the night even started?
Mark: You’d think it would kill the vibe, because we were just playing music and nothing else too crazy, but we were able to persevere like a bunch of savages and rally on. Can’t stop, won’t stop us.
Mark and his roommates had complained several times about that night, and how they were nervous to do anything in their room for fear of getting written up. RA’s might be taking their jobs a little too seriously, especially on a Saturday night when everyone is trying to have fun with their friends. Part of the college experience is always walking around and hearing music, wherever you are (except for perhaps in the libraries!). So, yes, it’s good to respect the people living in the same dorm as us, but must we be silent??
