Hey girls! Here’s our topic for today: what is dorm life really like? I don’t know about you, but before I went to college I was all over the internet trying to find out what dorm life was like. I was asking all my older friends, my parents, even my grandma! Unfortunately, you don’t really know what it’s like until you actually get here. I’m sure each campus is different, but this is how dorm life has been for me at Adelphi so far:
Overall, I have to say I’ve had an amazing experience. The thing that I was most anxious about was the communal bathrooms (which, if you’re an honor’s student, isn’t too big of a problem, and I kind of envy you.) You build it up in your head, making it seem like such a big deal, but what we don’t realize is that other people are thinking it too! Its not a big deal because we’re all in the same boat. I’ve never had a problem with the bathroom or shower being unavailable or feeling uncomfortable in there. You do what you gotta do and then you leave and everyone does the same!
When it comes to living and school and productivity, I’ve become even more productive than I was in high school. If you keep your room nice and organized, you’ll have a great space for both play and work. I did absolutely no work in high school, and I’m so motivated and studious here at Adelphi. That definitely says a lot! Some people struggle balancing their personal lives and their school work, especially because you can theoretically be with your friends 24/7. If you think about it, they have work to do too! And nobody will get mad at you if you say you can’t hang out because you have school work because sooner or later, they’ll be saying the same thing to you. We’re at school and there’s the mutual understanding that we have to balance everything. If one of your friends is all play and no work, maybe you should rethink how close that friendship is. If they want to drag themselves down, they can do that, it doesn’t mean you need to sink with them!
Another aspect that I was very anxious about was people seeing me in my pajamas with my hair all crazy and no makeup on. Vain, I know, but sometimes I can’t help it! Only certain people had ever seen me like that (the majority being family members) and it was definitely high on my anxiety list. It took some getting used to, but I am now totally okay with it. Once again the whole concept of being in the same boat as everyone else. If you feel that uncomfortable and you need to be all dolled up to go downstairs for water, thats your choice. But don’t ever feel like you have to. We’re all living together. Not modeling together! There are two friends of mine who constantly come by the room just as my roommate and I have gotten out of the shower or taken off our makeup. Honesty, I probably care that they’ve seen me all gross way more than they do! They could care less how I look because they came by my room unannounced, its not like they can expect me to be flawless every second of the day (although of course we always are, right ladies?)
Living away from home can be tough. It takes some getting used to and some adjustments and compromises, but ultimately, its a great experience. It so much fun and you meet a lot of great people. Just put yourself out there and don’t be too worried about what people think. Remember, you’re all really thinking the same things! If you’re nervous about something, I guarantee you at least one other person has the same anxiety. Just relax and enjoy the freedom. Make good choices, and do what’s best for you, everyone’s different! Just remember ladies, have fun and stay fabulous (with or without makeup!)