To any of you seniors out there who have already made their college decision, first and foremost, CONGRATULATIONS! Picking out a college in my opinion is one of the hardest decisions. But next comes another decision: where to live on campus? Unlike when your parents went to college, suite dorms are becoming more popular. Not only are these dorms bigger, but they also have their own bathroom! Despite these dorms being much nicer, many girls still choose to stay in the community style dorms, like myself. Originally, I had wanted to stay in a suite style dorm but my roommate pushed for a community style dorm. Little did I know, I would come to find my best friends in the room next door. Had I chosen not to live in a community dorm, I probably would not have the amazing friends I do now. So here is what you should know about living in a community dorm:
1. You meet so many people.
One thing that many people who live in a suite style dorm miss out on is meeting people. In my dorm, girls are always hanging out in the lounge. I run into people all the time in the bathroom, waiting for the elevator, or in the halls. Since suite style dorms have everything in the dorm room, there is no need to go out of your way to meet people on your floor. You won't run into people in the bathroom- because you have your own. My favorite part about my dorm is the girls who live in it, and if I had a suite style dorm, I don't think I would have gotten to meet some amazing people.
2. Your immune system is going to take a hit.
Living so close to so many girls causes germs and viruses to spread easily. When one girl on the floor gets sick, it is likely the rest of the floor will experience it within a few days. Make sure to wash your hands and clean your room often. But most importantly, get enough sleep. Yes, you may want to hang out with the girls on your floor til 2 am, but your immune system will not appreciate it.
3. The bathrooms aren't awful.
One of the main reasons why I had originally wanted to live in a suite style dorm was so I would have my own bathroom. After having to use community bathrooms for a few months now, I can admit that they aren't awful. Yes, they aren't the best or the cleanest, but you don't have to clean them and it is only for a year. Just make sure to wear shower shoes and you will be fine!
4. It is easy to borrow things.
Whenever someone needs anything on our floor, they just put it in our group message. Need a vacuum, someone has one. Need a dress to borrow, someone has one. Need anything, and it is likely someone on the floor or the building has one.
5. You will make the best memories.
The memories I have made my freshman year from living in a community dorm are some of my favorite. Whether it's waking up to a fire alarm at 3am, hanging out in my neighbors room 24/7, or bonding over the crustiness of our building (shoutout to crusty Crosby), I wouldn't change my decision to live in a suite style dorm.
So, if you can't decide which dorm to live in, take this advice: meeting the girls on your floor who could become your best friends is worth not having your own bathroom!
