My first semester of college this past Fall was so much more than I expected it to be. Over its course, there was always something going on around Grounds, and, as a result, I was able to participate in some truly worthwhile events. Whenever something big wasn't going on, however, I spent a lot of my time relaxing indoors. A LOT.
Before arriving in August, I received an email explaining that I would be living in a single near the edge of Grounds. In the coming weeks, my friends and the adults around me would tell me I "got lucky," that singles are "the most coveted rooms of any university." I knew that they were oftentimes the first rooms to go, and as a result never expected that after prioritizing having a roommate (to fulfill the expectations I'd fostered regarding the college experience, and also to encourage the creation of a personal daily routine) after being asked my preference, that I would be placed in a single room. Although I never applied to live with a specific person, I was surprised and shortly thereafter, close to panicked to realize I would be living on my own.
Before I knew it, August rolled around and it was time to move in. As the semester wore on, I took full advantage of not having to abide by another person's schedule in my dorm. I ate, studied, listened to music (without earbuds!!), and stayed up many times until 2 A.M. to watch (just oooone more episode) "Brooklyn Nine-Nine." Over the course of the semester, I watched the entirety of four ongoing series. When I tell you I lived in my dorm, I LIVED in my dorm.
Luckily enough, the day after I moved in, I met a girl named Chloe who lived right down the hall from me and who would (in no time) come to be one of my dearest friends. We did absolutely everything together, whether it was getting up at obscene hours (9 A.M.) to make sure we didn't miss omelets in the dining hall, racing to the stadium to make sure we secured good seats, or going to every single free concert offered by the university. If I hadn't met Chloe, my first year wouldn't nearly have been as enjoyable, and I pretty much may never have left my hall (except for classes, of course, Mom!).
Ever since I've gotten back home from college, every person I've been able to catch up with has asked me how my first year went, and if there was anything I wish I had done differently. Although I can't express just how much I enjoyed my experience, when I take the time to reflect on my first year at my dream college, I definitely would go back to make a few alterations if I could. Without hesitation, I would have without a doubt spent more time outside of my dorm and exploring Grounds. This past year I participated in a couple of organizations, but I didn't really seem to find my place in them. I can sometimes be one to stay inside my "comfort zone," and spending a good chunk of my free time in my dorm fit that lifestyle.
Even if it's just finding a new place to study, I would highly recommend exploring the seemingly endless rooms inside the library, because even if you are planning on living in a single and are comfortable with whatever lifestyle may come as a result of it, you likely won't always be able to have a room to yourself. This upcoming school year I WILL have a roommate, and with our *slightly* different sleep schedules, staying up all night to study, catch up on my shows, or simply just to stay up won't fly. In general, if you have the opportunity to do something outside of your dorm, I would. Chances are, wherever you may go to school or live, there's a large area to explore around you with resources that should not be left untapped. And who knows, you might even be able to find your own Chloe.
