One of the most exciting parts about leaving for college is the simple fact that you no longer live under the roof of mom and dad. Although dorm living can be difficult at times, universities like Gonzaga use dorm life to create community and dorms become a huge social aspect of our college lives. In case you’re worried about having a roommate and living in a dorm for the first time in your life, here are ten tips that I learned throughout the journey of my freshman year!
1. Meet your neighbors!
Freshman year move in day my dad took me from door to door introducing me to my new dorm mates. At the time I found it extremely embarrassing, but only a few weeks later I found those girls I had been introduced to had grown into friendships that were necessary for the survival of my first semester. Your dorm is where you have the opportunity to meet some of your first friends.
2. Try your hardest to create a relationship with your roommate.
You will most likely see your roommate more than any other person on campus, so work hard to get along and create a healthy relationship with your roommate. Invite her to dinners at the COG or offer up the idea to grab a Starbucks from Hemmingson and then go study on the quad. The first part of creating a good dorm life for yourself is to create good vibes within your own room, and a happy roommate means a happy room!
3. Try to leave your door open as often as possible.
Whether you’re watching Netflix in bed or studying at your desk, leaving your door open invites people to come in and strike up a conversation. If you notice that someone you haven’t met has their door open, this is the perfect time to go in and introduce yourself!
4. Attend your halls “take-to” events.
The very first take-to event for almost every hall on Gonzaga’s campus is Spokane’s wonderfully delicious “Pig out in the Park”. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow dorm mates who may not live on your floor. These events also give you a chance to get off campus and explore the exciting city of Spokane a little bit!
5. Attend your blocks community events.
Whether it’s grabbing a quick bowl of ice cream at the ice cream social or meeting your Chaplain while sipping on an Italian soda, block community events are a great way to meet people who live in the dorms surrounding your own. (And if you live in an all girl dorm like Welch, a great time to meet those guys!)
6. Take part in Freshman Games
Nearly every freshman on Gonzaga’s campus joins their halls’ team in hopes of winning one of the championship intramural t-shirts. Whether you’re a master at sports or have never really had the chance to try them out, Freshman Games is a great way to stay active and meet other people who are new to campus.
7. Be respectful of quiet hours
Many people use the nighttime to study, and find it difficult to do so if others are being loud. A lot of students also don’t appreciate you blasting your shower music at 7 in the morning, so if you have to be up and active don’t blast Down Town at max volume while in the shower. Respect the people living around you and they will respect you.
8. Get to know your RA! She’s great!
Your RA is often like your hall mom or dad and should always be available to help you figure out events around campus or happenings about the city. Your RA is also a great resource to use when you get homesick or just need a hug. Your hall RA is literally there to help, so make sure to take advantage of her!
9. Invite dorm mates on outings.
There is no such thing as inviting too many people to dinner at the COG or to a movie in the basement of Hemmingson. In fact, the more the merrier! It’s beneficial to keep your social circle large, so invite even those who you may not talk to often when going out!
10. Appreciate the dorm while you have it.
Although you might think dorm is cramped and without privacy, it will grow to be something you will miss as you become an upperclassman. Many upperclassmen say they yearn for having all of their friends in the rooms right next to them (now that they are spread throughout the Logan neighborhood and various apartments all around campus), and wish they would have taken advantage of the social aspect of dorms. Cherish living in a building with 100+ of your new best friends! You’ll never get this time back!