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5 Things Every Underclassman Must Do To Survive 'Dorm Life'

New beginnings but still the same mess of a human, what's new?

Emilia Rodriguez-Vera

Oct 08, 2018

UCLA

5 Things Every Underclassman Must Do To Survive 'Dorm Life'

Emilia Rodriguez-Vera

It has been almost a month since I have begun my real college dorm experience and it has been already filled with some great friends, memories, and yeseven a few unfavorable situations. Yet, I can honestly say that I am blessed that I can actually call my dorm room my second home since I have gotten extremely lucky with both my roommates and my floor mates that I have met.

Entering a new school is not always easy as you have to learn and become accustomed to new environments that are completely out of your comfort zone and brand new, which can get overwhelming as hell.

Here are some tips I have learned in just my short time in the dorms:

1.Rethink what you bring and how much you bring

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Even if you don't get to go home often, really look through your closet and see what you KNOW you will wear and wear often. Don't assume you're gonna get to wear all of your wardrobes because you won't. Limit yourself because you don't want to be doing too much laundry nor wanna pack up so much once you gotta leave the dorms.

2. Be a social butterfly

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Since all of us are leaving our friends back home, you're gonna need to find that support from those who now live around you in the dorms. Participate in activities set by your RA (resident assistant) and by the school to get to know people. I used to be super introverted and lowkey still am but I love socializing and making friends. You never know where those new friendships can take you in any aspect of your life. Be involved because you only have a short amount of time to network before you go into the real working world.

3. Explore your new home away from home

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Going to a school like UCLA is honestly a huge blessing. Los Angeles is filled with a plethora of cultures, history and there is always something to do. You don't always want to be stuck in your dorm or on campus. Not being able to bring and having a car while living dorms should not be seen as a major downside as you can rely on the cheap public transportation that can get you to all of LA. Parking is a major pain in the butt and with public transportation, you'll be saving money! Go explore DTLA, Hollywood, or Santa Monica with your roommates and/or floor mates!

4. Communicate EFFECTIVELY with your roommates

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My roommates and I met on Facebook pages relating to our school. We talked via Facebook messenger for months and we were pretty much an open book to one another which is why we ended up choosing each other. We discuss any big decision among each other and we vibe really well. I got lucky but there are those who didn't which sucks. Communication is key in any kind of situation.

5. Don't party too much

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My floor has some fun people to hang out with but remember, you need to prioritize school ALWAYS. Yes, have your fun and invite people into your room to hang out but remember GPA lasts forever. If you do party often, make sure your work is done before you can treat yourself to drinking and dancing till 2 AM. Also, respect your roommates if they're sleeping and you're coming back to your room late from a party.

I hope your experiences in the dorms have been as fun as mine. If not, I hope these few tips help you out!

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5 Things Every Underclassman Must Do To Survive 'Dorm Life'

New beginnings but still the same mess of a human, what's new?

1.Rethink what you bring and how much you bring

2. Be a social butterfly

3. Explore your new home away from home

4. Communicate EFFECTIVELY with your roommates

5. Don't party too much

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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