How to survive dorm life
It’s a few weeks into the semester and your roommate is up doing yoga again at two in the morning. The guy three doors down is sharing his music with the entire hall at top volume. And that one person keeps coming up with new ramen creations, creating strange smells that waft in every time you open your door. Dorm life, am I right? Well, no one said it would be easy. But, if communal life is getting to you, here are a few tips for the everyday dorm inhabitant.
Good communication cannot be overstated when it comes to living with a roommate. If their loud chewing or overflowing laundry basket is bothering you, talk to them about it in a kind and non confrontational way. However, remember that being roommates is a two-way street. Make sure you are open to hearing their concerns and annoyances as well. Communication, compromise and consideration make happy roommates!
When living in a dorm, sharing is not always caring. Try to keep your music (and other noises) to yourself, whether it be keeping the volume low or using headphones. If someone is playing their German Folk music especially loud, talk to your RA or dean about it or go to them directly. It is likely that they don’t even realize that everyone else can hear it!
Laundry rooms can be a struggle, especially when that one person forgets their clothes in the washer for hours. If possible, do your best to move your laundry as promptly as possible. There is a very low machine to person ratio, so it is best to keep those clothes a movin’. When someone leaves their clothes in the washer or dryer, it is perfectly appropriate to move them into the dryer or nearby counter. If you are feeling generous, you could even treat them to a free run in the dryer!
Good fences make good neighbors: a rather old saying that seemingly has little to do with living in a dorm. But stick with me! Your room is your space. If you don’t like people coming in and out of your room all the time, using your stuff, sitting on your bed, etc., then set up those boundaries or fences (see what I did there?). Being honest with others about your boundaries, and respecting theirs, can make your dorm life and the lives of others, much more enjoyable.
By Hannah Olin