You could say my on-campus living experience has been an unusual one, namely because I lived in three different dorms in one school year. My first two roommates were both difficult to live with. The first was antisocial and uninterested in interacting with me. The second was irritable and frequently subjected me to her tempers. I also had very little in common with either of them. Not only did we have contrasting interests but they were both younger than me and made me feel like a housekeeper because they weren’t responsible residents so in order to keep our space clean, I often picked up after them. It was a miracle when I moved into the third dorm because I ended up with a friendly roommate who was similar to me in age and experience. During the time I was with the first two roommates, their immaturity reminded me of my own adulthood. But I wanted to enjoy being a young adult, too.
Although I only completed one year of dorm life, my multiple roommate sagas made it feel like several years’ worth. I wish the circumstances had been suitable enough to stick with one roommate but nevertheless, I appreciate the insight this topsy-turvy experience has lent me. I learned what I want from a roommate: cleanliness, someone who understands my need for quiet time, trust, friendship and what I don’t want: messiness, loudness, rudeness and avoiding direct communication if a problem arises. I also learned what I expect from myself as a roommate: trustworthiness, thoughtfulness and most of all kindness.
With my first two roommates, I hoped we’d get along well and maybe do things together. Suffice it to say that this was not how it turned out. What can you honestly expect when you opt to be matched at random with someone? It’s a hit-or-miss system. Luckily, leaving the dorms means having more options. You’re no longer at the mercy of a haphazard lottery. You have more say in who you live with.
It was fortunate that my first and last dorm experience was in an upperclassmen residence hall. This is because at VCU, these are apartment-style units so you are not confined to only a bedroom or made to use communal bathrooms. Instead, you are introduced to a style of living that acts as a helpful precursor to off-campus housing. Living in an upperclassmen resident hall is the reason I feel confident about leaving the dorms and moving into an apartment for next year.
If I hadn’t gone to community college right after high school, I might have lived away from home at 18 but I wouldn’t have handled it well. I didn’t cook much nor did I take great care of myself. Instead, I began living away from home at 22, when I was much more prepared to do so. I’m thankful for my parents for helping me build important life skills. They taught me to be independent, resourceful and efficient, making the most with what I have and without that, I would not be ready to do this. I’m also thankful to VCU for giving me a living space that has been a helpful transition from living at home to living on my own.
The process of moving out, moving on and moving in is certainly daunting but it’s also exciting. This time, I’ll have more kitchen space and relatively better furniture. This time, I can choose a roommate and nothing has to be at random. This time, I can be a young adult.
I’ve seen all ten seasons of “Friends” but after a while, it stopped being funny to me. However, I still maintain that there are some good jokes scattered throughout, as well as some heartwarming moments. This is one that accurately sums up my feelings about all these changes on the horizon:
Yes, indeed.