With the year of experience I have had living in the dorms, here are some tips I picked up for incoming college students. I promise they will be most helpful.
1. Wash Your Clothing:
Your roommates won't be too happy with you if you don’t!
2. Febreze is key:
Has clothing been sitting around in your hamper? You aren't doing wash till Saturday? No problem—just Febreze it. I promise, your roommates will appreciate you!
3. Sleep schedule conflicts:
Make sure you and your roommates have a similar bedtime. If you are one that goes to bed at 2 a.m. (which is me), and your roommate goes to bed at 10 p.m., it can be a bit of hassle when you are trying to do homework in your room at night.
4. Noise:
5. Notification is key:
6. Do not forget your keys or your swipe card:
Forgetting your keys is the worst. You go to take a long shower after studying for finals, and the minute you get back to your room you are locked out. Talk about a relaxing evening!
7. Don't forget your keys more than three times:
After three times of forgetting your keys, the housing office gets to make some money off of you every time they have to help you. Isn't that fun?
8. Netflix:
You are spending money to watch television, but it is so worth it.
9. Social Life versus television:
Even though Netflix is wonderful, do not let Netflix take all your friends away or prevent you from making friends.
10. Undergarments:
Bring enough underwear and socks for two weeks. That way, you can save money on the wash. It's expensive!
11. Passive aggressiveness:
Passive aggressiveness can be very annoying, especially to the people you are living with. If you are unhappy with something your roommate is doing, it is better off to just tell them, rather than not say anything at all. Communication is key!
12. Ask before taking:
Do not take anything from your roommates without asking beforehand. Asking to borrow your roommate’s toothbrush probably isn’t your best move.
13. Residential Advisors:
RAs are wonderful people and great sources for advice! Talk to them if you ever are facing conflict, need a friend, or just want to talk!
14. Shower Respect:
Respect the people in the showers. Showers are good for all people. They make people smell nice, so let people use them peacefully—common respect!
15. Respect the showers:
Respecting the showers means to clean up after yourselves. Don't leave hairballs all over the shower. Be kind and pick up after yourselves.
16. Pizza or Parmesan bites:
Last but not least, pizza will be your weakness! If you order enough pizza, at least you will be a loyal Dominos' customer.
