College has made me realize that I suck at adulting. After welcome week, it all hit me that somehow I am going to have to manage to eat, sleep, study and maintain a social life all at the same time. But, it was the little things of being on my own and living in a 20’x 9’ dorm room, that gave me a reality check very quickly. So, here are the reasons why living in the dorms have made me get my life together:
1. Having to share a tiny space with another person. For me, it wasn’t the first time having to share a room with someone but for the majority (of what I have noticed) this is some people’s first time ever having to share a bedroom with anybody. Living in such small corridors make you conscientious of not only yourself, but of your roommate’s study habits, social life and living situation. You learn to respect them and they’ll (hopefully) learn to respect you too.
2. Messes just can’t happen like they do at home. I have quickly learned that just because my little sister could stand my clothes being thrown on the floor & me leaving dirty cups and plates on the dresser, does not mean my roommate will tolerate it. It is simply gross and embarrassing when friends come in and hangout to see your mess or your roommate’s, so just do what I do and clean up after yourself.
3. Take out the trash! It just starts to smell bad and eventually the piles will just seem to fall over onto your floor. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not walk all over trash.
4. Remove yourself when you need to remove yourself. It can be extremely distracting to be living with your best friends 24/7. They’ll be running in and out of your room when you’re just trying to finish that last math assignment. I’ve learned to pick my stuff up and go to the study rooms that they provide for me in the middle of the hall. They’re there for the times that you just can’t focus in your room anymore. Use them.
5. This could go with my second point, but I think it deserves its own. Hair in the sink and/or the shower drain is just disgusting. Do not leave it there to build up. I am so sorry mom for telling you, “It’s not even that gross. We are all girls here,” back at home. I have now learned why you find it absolutely disgusting to look at and clean.
Let’s be real. Most of these reasons have to do with picking up after yourself, but those small actions go a long way. They have taught me responsibility and for the other point(s) time management. Two of the most useful skills you’ll use in your daily life as a college student and beyond our academic careers. So thank you Summit Hall for teaching me how to get my life together in such a small space as well as my life outside of room 834.