This year, I am living in the same residence hall that I lived in last year as a freshman. However, this year, I'm an RA, which means I don't have a roommate. Coming to college, it was an adjustment to live with a roommate last year, but it was an adjustment to college life without a roommate this year. People ask me all the time if I like it or if I would rather have a roommate, so here is my break-down of what it's like to live without a roommate in college.

Pros:

1. You can leave the room messy.

Busy week? Without a roommate, it's ok to leave the room a little more cluttered than you would normally leave it. It's ok if your laundry spills out of the basket because no one else has to live in your mess.

2. You can turn the lights on whenever you want.

When I wake up, I turn on the lights to get ready. When I'm ready for bed, I can turn the lights off. I don't have to leave a lamp on for anyone or be sensitive to when they are trying to sleep.

3. You don't have to worry about noise.

Quiet hours aside, noise isn't a problem. It's nice to not use headphones when I listen to music or watch a movie. Also, the noise of getting ready in the morning won't wake anyone up.

Cons:

1. It gets lonely sometimes.

I miss being able to walk in the room and have someone to talk to. Also, on days that I don't have anywhere to be for a few hours, it can get lonely in my room if I don't recruit a friend to come hang out. I miss just having a person around.

2. No one is there to clasp your necklace.

Or zip your zipper. Any of those little things become harder when you don't have someone easily accessible.

3. You have to do it yourself.

There's no one saying, "I'm about to take my trash out, do you want me to bring your's too?" or offering to toss your one dirty t-shirt in with their load.

Overall, I have enjoyed living alone this year. I miss having a roommate for lots of reasons, but I have found great things that come from having your own space.