In the days of yore when AMR III A&B were merely called Buildings A and B, I resided in the first visible room in Building A. You could see my suite from the door, and my roommate and I thought of our unit as the “welcome wagon” for the building. Reflecting on the room my senior year brings me back to writing post-it notes on strangers’ doors and spending hours in the common room with people that are now some of my best friends.
Before coming to Hopkins, I heard some incriminating stuff about what was to be my freshman year home, but honestly, I had the time of my life there. All it takes is a few simple tips on how to not just survive, but thrive.
1. Learn to play Super Smash Bros.If you want to hang out in the common room or around the TV your cool friend’s parents got him/her, you’re going to have to learn to play this one. Even if you hone your skills on one character and one character only (Princess Peach is my [only] girl), this is a necessary ability. Truth be told, it’s pretty fun. You’ll spend several nights per week throwing turnips.
2. Utilize Your Common RoomWhether you decide to make it your permanent hangout spot or just a casual chill zone, you should absolutely take advantage of that comfy space. Since the common room is located right next to the entrance in both buildings, it’s an easy way to meet everyone that lives in your dorm. You might end up having some late night #deep conversations in that room.
3. Use the FFC To Your AdvantageYou will be living right above the food so don’t spend your dining dollars all at once! The FFC has an insane amount of options for every meal, and tons of resources to do some culinary experiments. One of my friends crafted delicacies like elaborate brownie sundaes using ingredients from all over the FFC. The proximity is helpful for snowstorm season when you fill a box with pink cake and bring it back to watch a movie with your friends.
4. Write Notes on White Boards
People hang white boards on their doors for a reason—and that reason is socializing! Though the AMR III dorms may not be known for the loudest people, it’s known for some of the kindest. Share notes, interests and doodles with your potential new friends for a great ice-breaker! You might even get to solve the mystery of who-drew-what.
5. Food Will Get You Far
If baking is your style, test out your favorite recipe from home on your new friends. Leave some cookies out on the common kitchen table or pass them around door-to-door. However you do it, you’ll be “the girl with the [insert baked good here]!” Bottom line: if you give people food, they will be forever grateful…and maybe make you food in return.
6. Give People Their Space if they Want ItMany students that choose to live in this dorm are fans of some quiet study time, so it helps to be respectful of that. If someone is busy studying in their room, slip a note under their door asking to hang out later. Many people will keep their doors unlocked when they’re available to chat. This is also where the common room will come in handy: just head out there when you’re ready for a break!
7. …But also reach out and pull people into fun situationsDuring freshman year, it really is acceptable to knock on doors and invite your dorm-mates to join you if you’re on your way to an event. You don’t need to wait for plans to arise, make some on your own and invite everyone you can find!