Living on campus is mainly popular for freshman and sophomores, but we do have upperclassmen who choose to live on campus as well. There are several pros and cons as for living the dorm life through-out your college career. Living on campus could also be the best decision one could make. Here is some advice for you ladies that can’t decide on their living arrangements for college!
– PROS & CONS:
- CONVENIENCE is key! In college you’re super busy with classes, working, volunteering & other clubs so you have no time to drive back and forth to campus each day because traffic will always be horrible and parking is a pain. Think about it, would you rather get that extra 25 minutes of sleep each morning or sit in traffic???
- Living on campus is a great way to meet friends, being that you don’t have that much personal space it’s like you are forced to bond with your roommate(s). On the other hand having roommate(s) could sometimes be very challenging. The best way to avoid those situations is to talk to your roommate(s) at the beginning of the semester for you both to set rules and guidelines in hopes to having a successful year. Another advantage would be the common rooms that are located on each residence hall. These are perfect if you just want to get out of the room for a quick breather!
– NECESSITIES:
- KEURIG!!! You need to learn how to make your own coffee, buying Starbucks everyday will add up…. TRUST ME.$$$$
- Mini Fridge, Microwave: depending on if your dorm comes with a kitchen area or not you will definitely need one.
- Fan/Heater: the majority of dorms has it to where maintenance controls the air and heat or you and your roommate(s) may not agree on what the temperature should be in your dorm. Having an area fan & heater ensures that everyone is comfortable.
- Shower Shoes: If you are sharing a bathroom with someone using shower shoes is a MUST.
- Bedding/bath
- Storage containers/organizers: You’ll thank me later.
- Command Strips: Unless you want to be charged at the end of the year for damaging the walls you should buy these too.
*** Those are just the basic must have for dorm living, you can also find complete lists on what to bring to college online***
– MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR DORM EXPERIENCE: Be open, but stand for your values and what you believe in. Remember that this is probably an adjustment for everyone. Your dorm should be the place where you are most comfortable, after all this is your home away from home. You and your roommate(s) most likely will not see eye to eye on everything, but there must be a mutual respect for each other in order to a successful living environment.
I hope this helps, best wishes!