Let's face it, nothing will prepare you for the shock of moving in to a dorm until you actually make the move yourself. Living in a dorm is a modern right of passage for a college freshman who has just moved out of their childhood home. Don't get me wrong, the newfound independence is incredible, but you are in for a whole new world of surprises you never before imagined. What better way to celebrate the struggles of living in a dorm than with the beloved cast of Parks and Recreation?
1. If one person is sick, EVERYONE is sick:
You cannot escape the freshman plague. Even if you're as healthy as Chris Traeger, you are bound to catch whatever germs are being passed around that week. When you hear that first cough echoing down the hall, brace yourself, its coming.
2. You will find yourself eating anything simply to survive:
There's only so much a mini fridge can hold and it never seems to be enough to prepare a full meal. Even worse, who has the time or money to grocery shop? Eating on a college budget undoubtedly will push the limits of your culinary innovation.
3. Your hall is never quiet:
Even if it is the most ungodly hour of the night, someone is bound to be awake and making noise. Part of our tuition money should go towards soundproofing these poor excuses for walls. I have no desire to hear someone learning how to play the clarinet at any hour of the day, but especially not at 2:00 am!
4. You are forced to socialize with the people you live with:
I am all for being friendly and talking to people, but sometimes I just want to be able to brush my teeth without awkwardly feeling obligated to talk to the other 5 people in the restroom. You see the same people all the time in your hall, but the conversation never moves past uncomfortable small talk just to be polite.
5. Sharing a room with someone:
I'm in the lucky minority of people who get along with their roommate. As weird as it is to be in the same room as someone so often, they can become such a great support system. There really is no one better to complain to about the vast struggles of college than someone else who is dealing with the exact same thing and just so happens to sleep 6 feet away from you.
6. Climbing in to lofted beds:
Storage in dorm rooms is limited as is, so lofting your bed is necessary. However, getting in to bed is a task in itself. Unless you are over 6 feet tall, you're going to need a running start and a mini trampoline to successfully get in to bed at night.
7. Simple things become the greatest luxuries:
When all your time is devoted to school, it is east to forget to "treat yo self." Living in a dorm makes having a private bathroom or a fully-functioning kitchen such a privilege. The smallest commodities begin feeling rare and lavish.
8. You actually have to act like an adult:
There are so many things you can't rely on your parents for anymore. Whether it be killing a spider on your own or figuring out how to remove a stain, you are on your own. Moving out of your house has many perks, but the downside is having to pretend you are an adult that has it all together.
