Moving into a dorm on campus was one of the best things I’ve ever done.
When I applied for college, I also applied for a dorm because I knew I wanted to live on campus. I just didn’t know at the time that it would be one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.
Heading into the second half of my third year at Youngstown State University, I realize that living in a dorm has made my life so much easier than those who commute.
Some people commute 40 minutes or more to get to campus every day, so going home between classes may not be an option. My commute, depending on traffic, would have been about 30 minutes to school plus time to find parking. Not to mention I’d have to find a way to buy and maintain my own car.
Besides already being on campus every day, I get to sleep in a lot. If a class doesn’t start until 8 a.m., I don’t have to be up until 7:30 a.m. I just need enough time to grab some breakfast to go and walk to class. Lucky for me, the furthest I have to go is only about 10 minutes depending on how long it takes to cross the streets surrounding the campus core.
Speaking of sleeping, having a dorm is like having a giant locker you can nap in. Not only can I take a nap between classes (I have, and it’s wonderful), but I can switch out books and materials throughout the day. I only have to take what I need until my next break, which keeps excess weight off my shoulders and back and reduces the risk of losing my books.
I also have the advantage of being on campus during events. The few I’ve gone to and worked at have been much more convenient when I’ve already been on campus. When I worked Press Day last fall, a day where high school students in journalism or yearbook classes come to campus, I had to be at the event at 7 a.m. which may not have happened if I had to commute. Waking up at 6 a.m. and driving bleary-eyed in the dark is not exactly a good idea for me.
The extra hours meant extra money, which helped me personalize my room on campus with rugs and posters and other fun things. To be honest, I can do the same thing and more at home, but it’s more fun at college because I’m entirely independent.
Independence is one of the biggest reasons I wanted to go in the first place. I am now responsible for getting myself up and out of the building on time. I am responsible for my food choices (which are much better at school) and for making sure I get enough sleep. I’m responsible for getting my work done and overall I’m just responsible for myself. I don’t have to worry about anyone but me while I’m at school and I like it that way. I get to experience what it’s like to live alone and be responsible for myself without really being alone.
Living on campus has opened up opportunities and friendships I may not have had otherwise and while dorm living isn’t for everyone, it’s definitely for me; At least for now. I’d really like to have my own place where I can bring my cat someday, but for now, a cat-less dorm is for me.
