Ah, freshman year. Two semesters full of parties, new friends, gen ed classes… and residence halls. You may have scored some tolerable roommtes, but that’s only half the battle of dorm life. With paper thin walls and tiny spaces, there is virtually no room for privacy, from your roommates or your neighbors. I may have only been living the life of a typical college freshman for a semster, but I’ve already picked up a few tricks to win the respect and affection of your fellow residents.

1. Play the most obnoxious, base-filled music at the highest possible volume.

And set the speaker against the wall you share with your next door neighbors. Share the party! http://www.reddit.com/r/gifs/comments/1izoul/drop_the_bass/

2. Wear concrete blocks on your feet and jog in place at precisely 12:30 every night.

Creating a distinct, yet unrecognizable noise like that is truly a form of art.

3. Instead of wasting time and energy, scream to your friend who lives on the opposite end of the hallway to ask if you can borrow her hair dryer before your 8am.

Julie has an 8am too, so of course she won’t mind helping you out!

http://giphy.com/gifs/bypriyashah-kkkg-k3g-xUySTJlrLHEcvjbpHW

4. Slam your door with such force that you not only mimc the sound of a gunshot, but you are also able to replicate the vibrations of an earthquake.

I’ve always wondered what a 9.5 felt like, so thanks for helping ease my curiosity!

5. When making popcorn, set the microwave for an extra minute so that everyone in the ENTIRE BUILDING can enjoy the unmistakable aroma.

The best part is when the smell lingers for hours afterwards. Someone should make a candle inspired after that (@ Bath & Body Works)!

6. Speaking of burning things, have as many open flames going as possible to ensure the fire alarm goes off at least once a week.

Nothing gets my endorphins pumping like an evacuation at 3am, or better yet, when I’m in the middle of a shower.

7. Transfer your laundry to and from machines on your own time.

Stop and smell the roses on the way to the laundry room. Talk to a friend or two. Read the entire dictionary. Watch some paint dry. Call your mom.. and your dog, and your third cousin, and the mayor of your hometown. Don’t even bother setting an alarm, because life is short, so make sure you stop to cherish to the little things!!

8. Don’t hold the elevator for anyone, ever.

See someone sprinting down the hall towards the elevator screaming? Press the “close door” button a few more times. They’re probably just doing some cardio in the dorm for convenience. And the backpack bouncing around on their back is probably for an additional challenge.

9. If something is annoying you, write a passive, or not so passive, aggressive note on the hall white board.

Creating love/hate relationships is healthy, and friendly banter is always fun!

10. Make sure everyone in your hall is able to distinguish when you have a sock on your doorknob.. without having to actually see your door.

As long as you’re being safe, everyone here is supporting your passionate endeavors.

Obey these 10 rules of residence life and you’ll be living in harmony in no time! After all, this is your new home sweet home, am I right?

But in all seriousness, every single person who has ever lived in a dorm has struggled through some, if not all, of these offenses, and we've all been here at least once throughout our time living in the hell hole we call residence life.

http://giphy.com/gifs/aziz-ansari-comedy-dqcDwUzU5zF1C

However, whether we like our time in the dorms or not, it's part of the "college experience," and I wouldn't give up the relationships and memories I've made because of it for anything.