Typically, most colleges ask that you live on campus in the dorm for your first year.
Though, sometimes, you get a choice whether you want to live in a dorm or at home or sometimes even a tertiary option. Since I’m from out of state, I decided I should live in the dorms for convenience and to meet people. There are many, many things I learned after living in the dorms even just for a few months. Dorms have pros and cons, but it’s crucial that you learn what those are so you get the best out of your college years.
1. People will be loud, and if you’re loud, people WILL complain.
My roommate and I love our fair share of music. In fact, I’m typically blasting metal and rock from my dorm. Not purposely, though. It does, however, bother some of the people around me and I often feel guilty after I get a knock on my door asking to keep it down. I got used to being a bit quieter than normal, so that was an easy adjustment. What wasn’t so easy, though, was having boys living above my dorm that are ALWAYS up late and ALWAYS banging on the floor. Even though I’ve asked politely for them to keep it down after midnight, it’s quite obvious at this point that won’t happen. Just know that if you choose to live in a dorm, you need to be tolerant of those around you including yourself.
2. Dorm food will never be high-quality home food, get used to it.
I loved my mom’s cooking. I was so used to steak and salad every night that having to eat frozen hot dogs and occasionally popcorn for dinner is kind of a ripoff. I have access to the dining halls, which provides pretty good food, but it still just isn’t the same as being at home. Depending on your home life, it will determine your liking for the dorm food options.
3. Your roommate: Kickass or nah?
Unless you LOVE your roommate to pieces, living with someone in a single room is tough. I get along with my roommate very well, so everything is super easy. We tend to use each other’s stuff, keep each other up late, and annoy each other at times too in the best ways. But sometimes, people don’t like those things. Or, sometimes, you may get a roommate that you don’t get along with. Make sure you room with someone you will like. If you don’t, it could really make your living situation awkward. Trust me, I’ve heard some pretty intense roommate stories so far this year.
4. Location is KEY.
My dorm is SO far from all of my classes. I get a great workout, don’t get me wrong. It just sucks having to wake up at 7:00am, not having time for breakfast, getting ready, and heading out to make it in time for my 8:00am class. Make sure your dorm is near your classes if you mind waking up to walk early. If you like the workout, it really won’t matter at all. Just think about if you’re REALLY going to want to walk to the class that’s way across campus when it’s snowing out in the winter. Consider these things.
5. The R.A. and po-po.
Campus police and your R.A. are both important factors as well. As alcohol isn’t permitted on campus, yet alone in dorms, some students find it tough to keep that away from their sight and get caught. If you’re cool with keeping it dry, you’ll be A-OK. If not, well, better figure out an alternative off campus!
6. Cell phone and wifi reception.
Make sure that you get good wifi and cell reception wherever you choose your dorm to be, if you choose one. Making sure you can keep contact with people at home and friends is pretty important, and some cell phone providers have better luck on campus than others. Verizon seems to work rather well for me ONLY if i’m connected to wifi on campus.
