Going to College: Dormitories, Apartments and the Roommate Situation.

You got accepted into college, or maybe you know someone or have a child that recently did! Maybe you or the person you know is moving to this university! Yikes. A lot of decisions have to be made. Today I am going to give you some advice that I learned when making these decisions, especially the biggest one and scariest one- dormitories.

Dormitory or Apartment:

For the people who have never been to college and are looking between dorms or the possibility of a close to campus apartment. (Unless you have a circumstance that does not allow you to get a dormitory, I know it’s not for EVERYONE.) But if you don’t have a disability, kids, or spouse, ect. Get the dormitory, for many reasons. The two biggest reasons I can think of are the following: 1. Parking, there is no simpler explanation but there is NONE. Although, if you get a dorm you have dormitory parking always and in most cases it is only for those that stay there. With your dorm being on campus you can walk to class. Not as bad as you think, I promise. 2. I cannot stress this enough choose a dormitory for the whole college experience. This is something you will be thankful for later in life to tell others or pass down to your children.

The Roommate Situation:

When I thought of going to college and dorms; my first thought was roommate, maybe you know them or maybe you don’t. If you don’t then you are probably thinking “uh what if I don’t like them”, some people will tell you this isn’t possible, but it is so possible. It is a scary thought, but I am going to give you some advice on roommates. The good and the bad ones.

My first hint to you is this: if you have the luxury of getting a dorm to yourself (by of course paying the extra money) DON’T. I know you’re probably scared you won’t like the new person, and maybe you won’t, but it is worth the chance. Also, if you do give your new roommate a chance and you like them, vice versa, you just made a new friend at a big scary university. And if they are a freshmen too, you can request them as your roommate from then on out (as long as they request you to). One thing I learned going to college is it is always good to have a friend, partner in crime, because honestly doing everything by yourself is scary, but doable. However, if by chance you despise your new roommate, here are some options for you: 1. Did you know that in most colleges you get 2 weeks to move dorms, it’s a process, but if you really don’t like your roommate and happen to meet a new friend (or old one on campus) the possibilities of swapping rooms in that two weeks is doable. 2. Don’t let my earlier comment scare you about being alone doing stuff, it’s not that bad, really. Honestly, most people at that university are going to be really friendly, there are the exceptions, but mostly it will not be hard to make friends because believe it or their just as scared as you. 3. Don’t be scared of the graduating students or “fourth years”, their usually also just as nice. They remember what it is like to be in your shoes. Honestly, having a graduating friend was my best asset especially for the upcoming semesters, they know who the best teachers are and the worst (some valuable info when registering for the following semester). 4. If you are stuck with your horrible roommate, go to study rooms. Almost all dormitories have atleast one, but I preferred the library. Believe it or not a lot of people talk in the library especially in designated study zones. Not only is there a high chance you will meet a couple good friends there, it offers you an escape from your roommate. Not to mention when you start your classes you will meet people there and usually you will study with them after class.

The best hint I can give you is this; be yourself. If you find yourself on your first day by yourself in that lunch room and you see someone else that looks a little scared sitting by themselves go ask if you can sit with them. I know it sounds weird but honestly I watched some people become lifelong friends this way.

College is nothing like highschool, so if you’re expecting it to be- DON’T. People are SO much nicer in college. I have no idea why either. Don’t be surprised when half your class shows up in pajamas or hair looking like Cindy Lou Who, and more than likely one day you will too.