The Declassified Guide to Dorming
By Tasha Dowbachuk | Published by October 17, 2018
We’re all guilty of creating a perception of what it would be like to live on a college campus – it might end up to be a celebration or a chaotic mess. When I moved onto the Kean University’s campus last year as a freshman, it was my first time living away from home as it was for many others.
I wondered then what kind of memories and bonds I might build within the next few months. I decided to take a deep breath and embrace the experience.
Here’s what I learned. Firsts things first, throw away all the assumptions created and stored in the back of your mind. You must be willing to open up to the endless possibilities of your new roommates as awesome people. I found the best way to understand my roommates’ worldview, is to establish clear communication and create a bond of trust.
These two tools of dorm survival opened more doors than I expected. In my first year of college, I came to the realization that being sociable takes more effort than the “casual” wave and smile combo. Due to the mild awkwardness that would enter the room with me, I became more aware of the fact that it’s okay to let your personality shine through. After my roommate caught me dancing in front of the mirror, it began the beautiful blossoming friendship that we have today.
Discovering your aura to uncover their aura is vital. Living with someone who’s a Star Wars fanatic compared to someone who prefers a Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night spread across their walls is the best way to spark a conversation. What scene made their hearts commit to such a fandom? Where did they get their inspiration? Better yet, how can you make your living quarters better? The possibilities for discussion are endless, my friends.
Try discussing the ground rules: if you don’t want the milk to go bad or to walk into a messy room, hold a discussion based around what will bring harmony inside your home-away-from-home. For instance, if your roommate takes the shuttle bus to Walmart to buy more cereal, it should be your turn to do the same by the time an empty cereal box surfaces.
Being considerate goes a long way. When you have to do a study session and you are prepared to spend the next two hours with your face in a textbook, a new form of appreciation will arise when your roommate does not blast music inside the room or even offers you the free space. Treating each other with politeness and respect will define the kind of connection you will spend together as you both strive to become the better versions of who you are.
Living with different personalities can be scary, but it is truly an adventure worth taking. There will be nights where laughter is shared, along with midnight snacks. There will be moments of frustration or closeness in between the noises of residential hallways. Either way, having the experience living on campus prepares you in more ways than one. Especially when you get to share it with others who hold the same kind of focus and ambitions as you.
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