Many universities mandate that incoming freshmen live on campus for their first year, so most of us who are either currently attending or have graduated from college have experienced dormitory living. For some, that brings back horrific memories of terrible roommates and for others the hilarious late night antics that include trying to sneak your intoxicated friend back into their room. Although experiences with dorm living vary, everyone who has gone through it can relate to a few universal experiences.
1. Loud neighbors.
Sometimes you are that annoying neighbor at 2 a.m. hanging out with your friends, and other times you're the one asking others to quiet down since you have an 8 a.m. class the next morning.
2. No food.
Not only do you have limited refrigerator space, but you also don't have any money to go get food. Not to mention your mandatory meal plan includes cafeteria food that is hit or miss. More than likely, you won't have any real food in your dorm.
3. Shared/community bathrooms.
Do I really need to explain this one?
4. Visitation rules.
You have a very strict amount of time you can have guests over in your dorm room, and if you don't get them out in time, Housing will definitely be knocking on your door to have you check your guest out immediately.
5. Parking.
Trying to find parking is absolutely awful on every campus. Especially when there are specific lots residents can park in and there are an abnormally small amount of parking spots in those lots.
6. Roommates.
They are give and take. Some of them become your best friends, but others you avoid at all costs.
7. Space.
Most of the time, the dorm rooms are extremely small. Making space for storage and other things usually means bunking the beds.
8. The twin XL.
Not only are these beds tiny, they are also the most uncomfortable things you will ever sleep on.
9. The laundry room.
There are only so many washers and dryers in the dorm laundry room. Unless you want to fight someone for one, get your laundry done around 3 a.m. No one is awake but you.
Although the dorm life comes with many struggles, it also helps you get to know others on campus. You meet a lot of people, some of which will be in a class or two, and it helps you find your place on campus.
