You were treated like a child for the past eighteen years. Suddenly, the world thinks you're ready to take care of yourself. Truth be told, you're still a child, just in grown-up clothing. Going away to school, especially for the first time, can be really hard. I suddenly have to pay for textbooks? What do you mean my tuition hasn't been paid? Cooking? Six research projects due the same week? What!?

When you've lost hope in getting through another semester of hell, the last place you want to deal with stress is in your own room. My roommate is awful. My neighbors are always blasting music. My RA doesn't give a crap about any of the residents. Damn it.

Nobody deserves to feel unwelcome in a room they're paying big bucks to live in as they complete their degree. If you are one of these people, here are five ways that will help you make your dorm room your safe haven.

1. Befriend an RA.

Notice the "an." Odds are, your RA is pretty awesome. Maybe they've busted a friend or a neighbor for partying too hard, but that's their job. They hate when their residents do stupid things that they have to report, but their job and education are on the line. Take the time to talk to your RA. Go to a program, make some small talk, go over to their room and just see how they're doing. Odds are they will really appreciate it. On the off-chance that you aren't as lucky and your RA isn't so great, befriend a different RA in the building. There is bound to be one who will love talking to you and helping you out when things are rough. When every other aspect of dorm life sucks, knowing you have a person who will listen and help in any way they can is great comfort.

2. Decorate and organize your room.

After all, this is your escape from the evils of college. Find decorations that make yourself feel at home and work hard to keep it organized. It's easy to fall behind on cleaning when life gets hard, but it is guaranteed to make you feel better about other things going on when you can see your floor. So hang up some posters of your favorite bands, some of your favorite photos, or some string lights and get cozy.

3. Give your roommate a chance.

Maybe they brought too much stuff. Maybe they never clean. Maybe they're always kicking you out of the room when a "friend" comes over--or worse, they don't kick you out. If you were blessed with an amazing roommate, you probably wouldn't feel unwelcome in your room. Odds are your roommate situation is less than ideal. Don't stress yet. They're adjusting just like you are, give them time. Everyone works differently. In the case that you've given them time to adjust and they're just truly horrible, revisit rule #1. Talk to your RA about the issues you're having. Your school's residential life office will work with you to either resolve the issue or find you a new roommate. Most dorms are pretty big and you would be kidding yourself if you didn't think someone else was having similar problems. There's a roommate for you out there somewhere.

4. Take advantage of any amenities your dorm offers.

Schools give you more for your money than you think. A lot of residences have gyms, lounges, media rooms, game rooms--the list could go forever. Take advantage of them. Blow off some steam on the treadmill, play some Foosball, or watch your favorite show in real-time on TV. Have friends in the building? Invite them too. It can be a great way for you to realize dorming might not be so bad.

5. Have peace of mind.

This may be the most obvious yet the most difficult thing you can do. Know somewhere in your mind that everything will be alright. It's hard now, but it will get better and that isn't just a lame cliché. It's true.You're working hard and someday you will be crazy successful. You have overcome other obstacles, and everything is temporary. Keep your chin up, breathe, and you can do this.