So you're going off to college and you are SO excited to live on your own! However, as a freshman, you are most likely required to live in a dorm. Some may be excited to take on this journey with whomever their roommate may be. But are you really as prepared as you think to make the change to the 'dorm life'?
1. You Will Get Sick
If you can manage to live in a dorm for an entire year without getting sick, I'm speaking for college kids everywhere, you must have an amazing immune system and we need answers. The community bathrooms and showers are crawling with germs. Hand sanitizer will become your best friend, so make sure to always have some in your room, purse and backpack! ALWAYS wash your hands before eating and after using the restroom. ESPECIALLY if you know there has been an outbreak of something in your corridor. Remaining clean and cautious will help you tremendously during your first semester of college.
2. You Will Probably Be Too Hot
Many dorm rooms are equipped with a personal heater/air conditioner. However, the downfall to this situation is that they don't always work exactly how you want them to. If the temperature outside drops below a certain temperature, the whole building's heat will turn on and you really have no say and no matter how low of a setting you have your heater on, the heat automatically kicks on and the room will heat up fast. I recommend bringing your own personal fan with you for your room because you will need it.
3. Bring A Lot Of Food
Sure, you may have the best of the best meal plans but let's be honest, who wants to eat at the dining hall for every single meal? Keeping a few "meals" in your room is always a good idea because they can be ready for you in a matter of seconds. You will also get hungry at the most random times and keeping a few of your favorite snacks on deck is definitely the smart move to make.
4. For Girls, Hair Will Be Everywhere
In the sinks, in the showers, on your rug, on your clothes, on your pillow, it's everywhere. I am certain that you will experience hair in the shower throughout your dorm-life experience. Some girls treat the community showers as their own and do not care if they leave pieces of hair stuck to the shower walls for everyone to see and shower next to. If you have any common sense whatsoever, do not be one of these girls. Not only is it gross for everyone else who happens to use that shower, it is rude for the cleaning companies who have to clean those hairs off the walls. If you aren't use to picking hairs off of everything you're wearing, get ready.
5. Quiet Hours Aren't Always A Thing
During exam weeks, RA's make rules in the dorm that the hallways must be silent between certain hours to allow residents to study in their rooms quietly and without distractions. However, not everyone wants to follow these rules. If you are preparing for a tough exam, I would not recommend studying for it in your room. But if you want to take the risk, invest in some noise cancelling headphones just in case. Otherwise, the library is your best bet.
6. T.V.'s Aren't Necessary
You may think having a T.V. is an absolute necessity for your dorm room but I'm here to tell you that it is not. Anything that you want to watch is available on your laptop. Ranging from Netflix, to Hulu, to HBO, everything you may ever need to watch will be available here. Unless you hit the jackpot on room assignments, you probably will not have the adequate space for a television. But if you are one of the few, go for it!
7. Bring. A. Parka.
Having a parka or some sort of winter coat will literally save your life, not to be dramatic or anything. You might not think that the walk to class will be that bad in the winter but I am here to tell you that you are wrong. A hoodie, leggings or sweatpants and boots just won't cut it. Investing in a good quality winter coat will be your life saver throughout the winter months on campus.
8. You Will Want A Mattress Pad
I'm sure you can already imagine that college dorm room beds are not the most comfortable. Next to the parka, a mattress pad is a major necessity. The fluffier the better, you can not get too comfortable when it comes to these extra long twin beds with plastic coverings on the mattresses. Do anything you can to make your bed feel comfy and cozy.
9. Use Your R.A. As A Resource
Not everyone may be super close and comfortable with their corridor's resident assistant, however, they will never turn you away. No matter the time of day or situation, your R.A. would be more than happy to discuss anything and everything with you. Transitioning into college and trying to find new friends can become lonely, so take advantage of your R.A. and go start a conversation with them!
10. Your Roommate Will Become Your Best Friend
Living in the dorms can be challenging at times but finding a roommate whom you correlate so well with can change your entire experience. Your roommate will be there to experience all of the typical dorm downfalls with you and you guys can just sit back and laugh and soak it all in together. The college experience will fly by, but living with your best friend is the best possible thing for you.
Sure, dorm life might not always be the most ideal living conditions, but the memories you will make in them are amazing. I promise you will want these times back so don't wish them away. Make the most out of your dorm experience because the time will pass by quickly!
