7 Lessons I've Learned From A Week In My Dorm | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

7 Lessons I've Learned From A Week In My Dorm

I've gone to Target two separate times and still probably need to go again.

59
7 Lessons I've Learned From A Week In My Dorm

As many of you know, college move-in season is in full swing by now. The last of the local fairs are wrapping up, the humidity is finally starting to become tolerable, and the panic of parents doing last minute back to school shopping in Office Depot is a daily sight. I moved two hours away from home for the first time this year, and it's only been a week but it already feels like it's been so much longer. So, here's what insight I can provide on the first week as a college freshman

1. It's okay to cry.

little women la crying GIF by Lifetime

We hadn't even been in the room for 15 minutes before I started tearing up because I was just so frustrated with everything in my room. The lofts weren't the height we had requested, we had no space to put our school provided fridge and microwave, and honestly, I was just so overwhelmed by the newness of everything that I needed to get it out of my system.

2. College beds really aren't that bad.

tired bed GIF

Maybe this is just me, but I only have a thin mattress topper for my bed and I haven't slept significantly worse here than I did at home. I came in worrying I wouldn't be able to sleep well, and maybe it's just the exhaustion from band camp but I've slept fine for the first week here.

3. Dining halls sound cooler than they are.

parks and rec college food GIF

When we all go on college visits the promise of buffet-style dining halls seems like an awesome thing, but when only one place is open for the first several days on campus, you get tired of eating the same style food. Also, waiting 15 minutes in line just to get a grilled cheese sandwich is kind of ridiculous, but it's not like I have a kitchen anymore to just make one myself.

4. Organizing and unpacking take a ridiculous amount of time.

My mom and I did take a few breaks (and a trip to Target) but in total, we probably spent about five hours after getting all my stuff moved up in my room and somewhat hastily assembled before she had to leave. Even after that, I spent a ton of time reorganizing and decorating my room and frankly I still have more I want to do. That being said, personalizing your room is a great way to help you feel more at home! Even if it's just a plant or some photos of your friends, having little pieces of home definitely help make the sardine can of a room feel a little bigger.

5. Command hooks will become your best friend.

dorm messy room GIF by GoPop

I think we have no less than four different types of command hooks hanging in our room right now, and that's without half our room even here. When you're held responsible for any damage to the walls, the convenience and simplicity of command hooks just get me every time.

6. Having a roommate is a little weird, but also the best.

bored matthew perry GIF by Nick At Nite

I've essentially been an only child for the past few years and because of it, I've grown used to having a lot of space and privacy. I know it's only been a week (and with only one out of three roommates here), but so far I've really enjoyed having a roommate. It sucks to not have more space, but we've already made so many memories within a week and I can't wait to make more once the actual semester starts.

7. The first night is the worst.

sad andre johnson GIF

After I walked my mom to her car and said goodbye, I pretty much just cried on the walk home. Living away from home can be scary, but it's part of growing up and you learn so much about yourself as an individual because of it. Like I said before, it's only been a week but it feels like it's been so much longer. Spending a week at school has made me remember why I chose to attend UC, and how excited I am to start the next chapter of my life.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

444075
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

17606
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

42124
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

7 Types Of Students You Will Meet In College

You wish you could be #5, but you know you're probably a #6.

21602
cool group of lazy college students in class
StableDiffusion

There are thousands of universities around the world, and each school boasts its own traditions and slogans. Some schools pride themselves on sports, while others emphasize their research facilities. While there is a myriad of differences among each and every school, there will always these seven types of students in class.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Rhyme Without Reason Greek Life Function Ideas

When you have no ideas for what to wear to this date function

322030
A dog and a frog
Healthy Pets

I am going to a rhyme without reason date function and I have looked at so many different rhyming words and I figured there need to be a new list of words. At these functions, there are usually at least two rockers and boxers and an umpteenth amount of dogs and frogs. I have come up with a list of creative and unique ideas for these functions.

If you like what you see, get a shopping cart going with these costumes.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments