Myths About Dorm Living
Living in a dorm is a part of the quintessential campus experience, but movies and television shows have perpetuated a few misconceptions about dorm life. Here are some of the most popular myths about dorm life.
Your Resident Assistant (RA) Will Be Strict
Although it’s your RA’s job to keep the floor in order and solve issues, they’re students too and are easy to get along with. Follow the rules and get on their good side. It’s better to be on good terms with your RA in case you end up hosting some rowdy friends one night or making a mess in a public space.
Expect Things to Break and Not Be Fixed
Colleges and universities always are updating existing dorms and building new resident halls, but with each room hosting different kinds of students each year, certain things are prone to break. Don’t fret.
Contact facilities management and leave a detailed description of the issue. They’re an oft-forgotten resource and tend to be flexible. Leaving things broken can get you in trouble when you move out and when residential services check on the room.
You’ll Be Close to Everyone on Your Floor
You’ll likely hear many stories from current students about how they found their best friends on their floor during the first weeks of freshman year. You shouldn’t rule this out, but don’t worry if you don’t immediately befriend your dorm-mates.
You can find your best friends anywhere on campus. It’s a good idea to try to make friends with those whom you live close to, but if you don’t get along with them, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere.
It’s Easy to Study in Your Dorm
Even if you have a roommate, the idea of studying in your room is appealing. Your dorm, however, is full of distractions like friends, loud music from other rooms and the prospect of taking a nap.
Try to find other study spaces before settling on studying in your dorm. It can be a great option for some, but if you decide to do so, prepare for far more distractions than you’d find in a library or other study area.
Living on Campus is the Most Cost-Effective Option
The combination of living in a dorm and being on a meal plan is very convenient and makes the transition to campus life easy. If you can get used to making your own meals and paying rent, however, living off the campus can be far less expensive.
Consider the value of a meal plan and dorm life’s other benefits before choosing to live on the campus. Living in an apartment or sharing a house with other students can save you thousands of dollars by the time you graduate.
