As the first day of classes is fast approaching, most of us are shuffling around doing last minute packing of boxes and moving into our new spaces for the year. For incoming freshmen, it’s time to say goodbye to living at home and say hello to finally living on your own in none other than a college dorm.
Don’t get me wrong, dorm life can be a great experience, but here are the top 10 most frequent problems you just might run into…
1. The Roommate: Love them or hate them, they are always going to be there. At first, the two of you will enjoy going out, eating, and doing just about EVERYTHING together. Few weeks later, you’re likely to spend much less time together. Don’t expect to stay besties with the roomie even if you’ve been friends for years or he or she is some rando you don’t even know.
2. Space: Living in a matchbox size of a room may not feel the most at home. Between you and your roommate, every corner and surface will be packed full of stuff and freebies you’ll never use. Under the bed storage is a must! Caution: this cramped living style can easily brew heated and or passive aggressive arguments every now and again.
3. Cleaning: Maybe a dirty room doesn’t bug you, but not being able to walk or find anything in an already too small space jam packed with two people cannot be any worse. Actually, not taking turns cleaning the room after saying you would can top that.
4. Asbestos, Dust, Mold, & More: Dorms definitely are not the most pristine place to live. Unfortunately, many of these living spaces, with a few exceptions, are so old they’re constantly falling apart. The possible mold and asbestos are just another plus.
5. Communal Everything: Besides living with your roommate and on a floor of other people, you get to enjoy communal bathrooms and laundry rooms. Your dirt is everyone’s dirt….clean the hair from the drain and lint from the dryer, PLEASE.
6. Privacy: Sharing your living space with someone means little to no privacy. Every little thing you do will undoubtedly be judged by your roommate. Whether you need some R&R for yourself or alone time with your significant other, don’t bother getting too comfy, here comes your roommate! What perfect timing.
7. Sharing: The saying "what’s yours is mine, what’s mine is yours" doesn't necessarily apply….check with the roomie before walking out with that top on or munching on any food laying around. I’m sure you wouldn’t like someone else digging through your personal stuff.
8. Different lives. Different Routines: It’s hard enough to live with someone you don’t know yet, but it’s even worse when your schedules are opposite or conflicting. Being woken up early by noisy shuffling or their ongoing alarms is less than pleasant when your class doesn't start for another couple of hours.
9. RA Restrictions: For the most part, RAs are friendly and cool and don't care what you’re doing. But, don’t dare to get loud during Quiet Hours or go overboard on the so-called visitor limit.
10. Moving Out:
Quite possibly one of the best things on this list…actually no, it’s a pain just like moving in was. Packing and hauling all your belongings on one elevator trip will make you never want to come back again.
