Around this time a year ago, I was packing and getting ready to move into a dorm room that I’d live in for the next year. I remember being so nervous because I didn’t know what to expect and I could only hope that it would be a pleasant experience. A year later, I can honestly say that it was and I’m looking forward to living in the same dorm again this year.

I had heard that one of the best places to meet people and make friends is on the floor of your dorm room. I completely agree. On freshman move-in day, the girl across the hall from my room stuck her head out the door to say hi and introduce herself. She was the first friend I made freshman year and a year later, we’re still friends. Dorm life allowed me to meet so many people with different majors and interests. Nearly all of the friends I made freshman year were people that lived on the same floor as me. There were so many late night talks exchanged, laughs shared and memories made that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t lived in a dorm.

Living in a dorm and also, sharing a room with someone is an experience that taught me a lot. I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I hate doing laundry. I learned how to deal with conflict. I learned that everything isn’t going to be perfect and that’s okay. It's something that allowed me to grow as a person while reminding me that it’s so important to be friendly, to say “hi” to people, and to do stuff outside of my comfort zone.

For me, living in a dorm was my first step to independence. I saw my brother move directly to an apartment for his freshmen year of college and that scared me. I didn't want to be completely on my own, but a dorm was the perfect transition. I was on my own, but I wasn’t alone. I was surrounded by people going through the same thing as me.

I may complain about the small room and sharing a bathroom with thirty other girls, but I know that I wouldn’t change it for anything. All of the memories made because of dorm life are well worth living in and sharing a 16’0’’ by 10’8’’ room.