It was only my second semester at Hunter College when I was introduced to the idea of dorming at Brookdale Campus. Though Hunter College is a commuter school and I can easily get to and from school each day by train, express bus, or ferry, it takes up to about four hours of each school day. Immersing yourself into multiple science classes a semester is hard enough without the commute, and let me tell you, it's not nearly as simple to study on the commute as commuters say.
1. Time Management
Time management is a learned skill. Creating a schedule is simple, but following that schedule is not nearly as trivial. While it is extremely difficult to manage your time when there is no sense of constancy in commuting, dorming allows for a broader picture.
2. Silence
My favorite part of dorming is the ability to choose when I could be alone. I can go into my room for one hour and sleep on a mattress topper that I question to this day for being so comfortable, or I can go across the hall and bother one of my many close friends that have the same option.
3. Study Groups
While everyone has their own methods of studying, I work best in a typical study group environment. My friends and I scavenge the building for new study places we could make our own, new white boards to fill with our knowledge. We engage with one another for companionship and for a better understanding of the topic. It's not as stressful when we're stressing together.
4. City Life
Dorming in the city, while in many ways is not nearly as luxurious as the dorms of other campuses, can't be beat in terms of location. The city is our campus. We are free to roam the beautiful streets that many travel so far to visit. We can be tourists in our city.
Dorming in the city is the best of both worlds. It allows you the independence you seem to lose sight of during break, and also gives you the proximity to home which allows you to return whenever you're feeling home sick, or just need to be taken care of. It allows for creating your own time and for spending time with those around you. Being able to get to school from home each day, though possible, isn't necessarily easy. Dorming may be that outlet you've been searching for.
