There are a variety of living situations here at Northeastern. If you’re a freshman, you probably share a dorm with one other person, if not two. If you’re an upperclassman, you may live in a semi-private single where you share a bathroom with someone, or an apartment style situation where there are two doubles, a common room and a kitchen. Here’s how to make the best of all of these living arrangements.
Double in a standard size dorm room: If you live in the typical double, hopefully you get along with your roommate. But if not, don’t worry–I promise that there are ways to make it easier. This room is now both of your homes for the next two semesters so it is crucial to set boundaries. Decide which side of the room is yours and which side of the room is hers. Discuss how you feel about using each other’s things – you may be okay with her using your printer, but using your toothbrush would cross your boundaries…hopefully. If she likes go to bed early and you like to go to bed late, respect each other. You can study at the library during the week but when it comes to Friday night, she can’t expect you to be in your bed with lights out at 8PM. It’s all about talking to each other. You don’t necessarily have to be best friends. You merely have to be respectful.
Triple in a standard size dorm room: If you somehow got stuck in a triple without requesting one, the good news is that you should be saving some money. Since a room with three girls can be cramped it is important to utilize your space. I suggest lofting two of the beds into a bunk bed on one wall and having the third bed on another wall. In situations I’ve seen, generally the girl who is not in the bunk bed switches with one of the other girls halfway through the semester. The girl who stays in the bunk bed the entire year is given the biggest closet.
Semi-private single: If you live in a semi-private single in a building like International Village, you have your own room and share a bathroom with someone. Just because you don’t share a room with your suite-mate, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to them. It’s important to layout a cleaning schedule for the bathroom and to establish other general housekeeping rules. Your rooms are connected by the bathroom and so, your suite-mate could enter your room through the unlocked bathroom door. If you’re not comfortable with this, establish that you’ll only knock on each other’s actual front doors. Another important thing to remember when living in a single is that you don’t want to be isolated. Make sure you eat at the dining hall with friends and join activities so you’re not always alone. Although it may be nice during the week when you’re studying, it won’t be as fun on a weekend when everyone else is out.
Apartment Style: With the apartment style housing comes a kitchen and a full bathroom with a tub. Not having to eat at the dining hall may be exciting for you, but remember that you can’t just leave your dishes for someone else to clean now. If you use your kitchen, don’t leave your dishes on the counter or in the sink after you’re done with them; clean them and put them away so as to avoid annoying your suite-mates. When it comes to the bathroom, establish a cleaning schedule among your suite-mates. Post a calendar and hang it on your fridge so no one can claim that they forgot. You’ll also share a common room, so decide how you want to decorate it as a group. It is everyone’s space, so everyone should have a say in how it looks. This could also be a good ice breaker or bonding experience if you live with girls you don’t know.
Dorm living will always be an adjustment from home. My advice is to talk to the other people you live with, set guidelines and make the best of it. You never know – you may get along great!
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