Living with someone else in a cute, but small shoebox is not easy. Don't get me wrong, I love our little room in Penland Hall, but I also miss the extra wiggle room. Living in a dorm is a whole new experience, just like the community showers, that I am still learning how to adjust to. Each has its pros and cons, but I wouldn't change the experiences i've had the past weeks bonding with my roommate, neighbors and even the girls down the hall. Every night I meet someone new, whether she's giving me tips on how to take a hot shower, or teaching me how to get football tickets (both very vital to the college experience). Late nights eating cereal and talking about the third floor boys wouldn't happen without community living, so here are some of my personal tips to striving in a dorm.
1. Keep An Open Mind
this point is so cliché, but is the MOST overlooked by everyone. Whether you're excited, nervous, upset, angry, or have no feeling at all towards living in a dorm, go into it with an open mind. You will meet so many people the first day, and having an open mind will allow you to make strong first impressions on your neighbors, roommate, hall director, and community leader (RA). Move in day can be pretty stressful (OK maybe a lot stressful), so spend the day laughing and meeting all the new girls who are your new family. Ask to borrow a screw driver, or walk around and encourage the girls who are still setting up their rooms 6 hours after getting there (this is not an uncommon thing). Whatever you do, stay positive and smile because even on those lonely nights, know that you are surrounded by a bunch of girls who are in the exact same boat as you.
2. One word... Brita.
Brita filters are a MUST HAVE. For the first time in your life, you can't just walk into the kitchen to grab a glass of water, not even tap. Some dorms have water fountains or sinks in the bathroom, but a Brita filters the water and gives you the chance to keep it cold. Our Brita pitcher is kept in the fridge for easy access, so when I wake up for my 8 am, I can fill up my water bottle on my way out the door. The Brita has been a life saver, and I highly recommend it for anyone who is living in a dorm next year.
3. Take the roommate agreement forms seriously
At Baylor, dorms require each set of roommates to fill out a general agreement form/contract dealing with minor issues that could produce a problem in the future. Take this seriously, because it's a great opportunity to set boundaries for the year while getting to know each other. If your school doesn't provide the contract, make one yourselves! Here are some things to include: communication on sharing each others stuff, noise levels when one is studying, class schedules (who's getting up at what time), what lights can be turned on in the mornings, where community shared things go etc. All of these things play a huge part in getting along as roommates, but communication is the MOST important. Be intentional with your conversations dealing with living together and enjoy it, because your roommate will be your go to girl for mostly everything the next year.
4. Open Your Door
"you mean open my door so that anyone can come in to steal my stuff??" YES. and no. Obviously don't open your door if you or your roommate aren't there to supervise, but if you're around then open it up! Keeping the door open will show that not only are you there to socialize and make friends but it also makes the space feel bigger. Some of those rooms are small, opening the door will make the space larger and you less claustrophobic. Don't be afraid to get out in the hall! The open door policy doesn't mean hide in your room, but to go out there and get to know each other. True friendships are made when you randomly walk into a girls room and introduce yourself (only if her door is open, don't just try and barge in, that could be disastrous). Make it a goal to meet everyone on your floor by the end of the first month!
5. Showers, Shoes and Songs
Community showers, every girls biggest nightmare, but it doesn't have to be. You CAN survive without taking a bath, plus lush makes shower products too. I'm not going to sugarcoat it though, you will want shower shoes. I love my long hair, and lots of girls have the long haired look, but that can lead to gross shower drains.. so wear shoes. Also, don't be afraid to grab a nearby friend to go to the showers with! Bring a speaker, play some jams, and make the most of it. I have a GNO Spotify playlist that is perfect to jam in the showers too, and there's a LOT of Fergie (no shame).
6. Do your OWN laundry
Yes, some universities have the really really really nice laundry program where they do it for you, but don't let them! Make it a goal to do your own laundry! I recommend using the PODS for detergent, but if the machines in your dorm are older, the pods will not work as well. Also, don't be that person who puts someones wet clothes on top of the washer so that you can have the space. If it's in use, then wait for the owner OR possibly move it over into the dryer for them! Patience is key, and so is being a good neighbor, so don't do someone else's laundry. You do you.
I have LOVED living in a dorm these past few weeks, and I am looking forward to the many memories to come. With 300 new neighbors, I can meet a new person everyday and I still wouldn't have met everyone here. Enjoy living in a community that not only surrounds you with great people but also supports you 100% of the time. Sic 'Em Dorm life, Sic ' Em Bears.
