So, you got assigned an old dorm hall with community bathrooms. You've most likely called your university's housing department pleading and begging them to move you and your roommate into a newer and nicer dorm.
I know this because I was in your exact situation my freshman year. I had my plan all figured out - I would live in a basically brand new dorm, I'd have enough space for a futon, and most importantly my own bathroom - but then all of my plans were wrecked.
I had been assigned Hull Hall, a dorm hall that was built in 1939. Hull seemed to offer everything except for the "dorm experience" I so looked forward to. I remember feeling horrified, frustrated and disappointed. I also remember convincing myself that I would not enjoy anything about the dorm I was assigned.
But Hull Hall taught me a few things and had a few perks that I would like to share with some of you that are going through the same situation.
1. You and your roommate will most likely not fight as much. I didn't get into an argument with my roommate at all my entire freshman year and I'm convinced it's because we didn't have to share a bathroom. We also bonded over the "struggles" of living in a community dorm.
2. You might become a more low maintenance person. I'm not very high maintenance to begin with, but living in a community dorm taught me what's important and necessary to have. At the moment you might have a long list of things you need to fill your dorm with, but you will most likely end up not using half of the things you have in mind whether it's clothes, toiletries, or school supplies. You realize what's important when you only have a small space and limited storage to work with.
3. You won't have to clean too much. Sure you might need to vacuum your room and wipe down your desk every once in a while, but you don't have to clean your own bathroom which is a huge plus especially if you're typically a little messy.
4. You will learn how to talk to people and become more open. Believe me when I say that you will not be able to go an entire year avoiding people you use the bathroom and shower next to almost every day. You won't be able to hide out in your room when living in a community dorm - you have no other choice but to talk to your neighbors. Challenge yourself to open up to meeting new people and also learning a few things about the people living on your hall.
5. You will feel more at home. Lots of new dorms tend to be modeled like hotels - which is exactly where you would feel like you're living. But community dorms tend to look more like actual rooms and be more open. My room gave me comfort which is something I didn't really feel when visiting newer dorms.
6. Most importantly — you will make memories. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. Everyone knows everyone in a community dorm and everyone is typically closer. You will get to hear all the funny stories about each other and everyone on your hall gets to grow together and learn the ropes of college together because again, everyone is so close.
I don't regret living in a community dorm and I most definitely can't remember wishing I was in a new dorm ever during my freshman year. Right now, you might not be too fond of the idea of living in a community dorm, but maybe now you have at least a few things to look forward to. So stop calling the housing department and begging them to change your living situation because I promise — you are going to be fine and at the end of your freshman year, you might even find yourself missing your old, community dorm.
