There comes a time in a young adult's life when you are faced with the inevitable fate of a roommate. After years of basking in your solidarity, that sweet peace is soon coming to an abrupt halt. Now, I know you've sat up for hours dialing through a list of horrific 'what ifs,' but take these little pieces of advice from someone who spent the entirety of their collegiate life in a dorm.
1. Living with strangers
In most cases, as a freshman you're required to live on campus - meaning that you're required to live among a slew of random people. It is hard to prepare for this mentally, but you have to keep in mind that not everyone was brought up the same way, so you will encounter a lot of different attitudes. My advice? Talk with your roommate, and come to a consensus of 'house rules' such as: noise levels, guest frequency, and sleeping schedules. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to sleep as someone blasts music you've never heard; so, be courteous,be respectful, and hope for the best.
2. Lock it down
Unless you go to a really upscale school with personal rooms and bathrooms, you will probably be staying in close quarters with your bunk mate. It is already hard dressing under a towel, but seemingly harder to keep up with personal items. At times you find yourself missing shoes, sunglasses, hair ties. To avoid any debate about the whereabouts of those items make sure to lock your items up. Come with a lock and two keys, and maybe even a lock box for smaller items.
3.Dirty, Dirty!
Unfortunately, community bathrooms are a real thing and now they're your reality. Imagine sharing your personal bathroom with about fifty other people. Your imagination can not even grasp the level of grime that can accumulate. For your own comfort, make sure you bring shower shoes, toilet paper, and loads of cleaning supplies.
4. Pack light
I know moving to a new location, you have to be prepared for anything, which in turn makes you want to bring your whole closet along plus some. This is a rookie mistake. Your storage space is limited, and you will quickly grow frustrated with the amount of clutter. Pack reasonably; only pack the things you actually wear and make sure to pack for the season. Don't load your bags up with winter clothes when it is going to be eighty-two degrees for the next three months. You will be provided with breaks in-between seasons, when you will be able to journey home and switch out your clothes that is, if you live close to your new campus.
Following these steps will help begin your dorm living. However, you will encounter far more obstacles with living with new people and in a large group that can not be summed up in one article. Just make sure to spread the word and help other newcomers with their journey. Leaving home is not easy, but it can be made simpler.
