You’ve looked at every apartment within walking distance of Whole Foods, fought the crowds on Sheridan to get to your computer in time to sign up for a good housing number, and ate your way through other sororities’ DM munchies to rack up housing points (and in my case lose the ability to breathe in your jeans). While the stress of finding where to live has recently ended, you probably have a lot of questions. What is it like to live in a house with 40 other girls? I can barely keep a fish alive, how am I going to manage an apartment? Will living in Plex make me antisocial? We have some advice for common new living situations.
When you’re living in a single for the first time
At first, you will love it. After a year of working around your roommate’s schedule, there is no greater joy than the independence of staying up as late as you want with the lights on and throwing your laundry on the floor without fear of being asked to pick it up. Unfortunately, it’s easy to accidentally isolate yourself. Make sure to bond with people on your floor or even make your room a welcoming spot for everyone to hang out! Also, take advantage of the decorating opportunities. Adding your personal touch can make an empty room feel like home – and motivate you to actually keep it clean.
When you’re moving into the sorority house
Your sisters will become like your actual siblings – the good and the bad parts. It’s inevitable, that many girls in such close quarters can sometimes get on each others’ nerves. You will roll your eyes when your sister takes too long in front of the full length mirror, but you will also learn so much about her that you can’t help but love her anyway. The minor squabbles will help you appreciate each other for what you are: real, flawed, yet wonderful young women. Oh, and being in a house with a fully-stacked pantry is dangerous for your waistline. Come prepared with stretchy pants.
If you’re moving into an apartment…
In general, learn what’s your responsibility and what’s your landlord’s. It can save you a ton of money if you understand this now. If you’re in an apartment on your own, you will temporarily become afraid of anything. What do I do if the oven breaks? What if aliens suddenly sneak in and snatch me and there’s no one there to save me? Eventually, these fears will go away. You’ll feel more independent, more grown up, and for the first time maybe even like a real adult. If you’re living with roommates, establish ground rules from the very beginning. As elementary school as it sounds, making a schedule of who does the dishes now can save a lot of drama later.