A student’s life has its own perks. One day, they’re bunking lessons, and afterward, they pull an all-nighter to complete their work. In all this commotion, they finally graduate, collecting memories of the past and hope for a better future.
Sticking to memories, every moment has its own value, especially when we’re surrounded by like-minded friends. However, as soon as we graduate from school, our lives take a sharp turn. Most of us pack our bags, bid farewell to our comfortable couches, and head towards the dorm for further studies.
A stage came for me as well where I had to pack everything and live among strangers. However, I can proudly say that not only I aced the dorm life, but made unforgettable memories for the rest of my life.
If you’re just moving out to spend your college/university days in a dorm, don’t panic. I’ve got a few suggestions to make that may help you to be at ease. Also, remember that the initial few days or weeks may take a toll on you, but have faith, because once you settle down, it’ll be one of the best years of your life, for sure.
Know Your Dorm Mates:
Wherever you read “I made a mistake”, pay close attention. Because I could’ve made my life fairly easier if I had done otherwise. Call it fate but once a dorm mate is allotted, replacing your room or them may not be an easy task. So, it’s best to try to develop an understanding with them.
Don’t forget that it may also be your peer’s first experience living in a shared dorm. So, they could be feeling as vulnerable as you. If they’re hesitant to take the first step, take a leap of faith and develop a comfort zone. Playing games, watching movies, or even wandering around the city may help in bonding with them.
However, it’s also possible that you and your dorm mate may be poles apart. But that shouldn’t worry you. Don’t make the mistake of passing judgement like me who did the same way too early. It’ll only make you anxious and frustrated. Don’t forget to be you, and let them be themselves. Having differing opinions is human, but don’t let them turn you into a judgey person that I regretfully became.
Must-Have Essentials:
Frankly, a dorm is nothing like living in our own home. It’s a fool’s dream to think of all the facilities to find in a dorm that we leisurely enjoy in our homes. That said, there are a few things you shouldn’t be missing out on.
Ample sheets, blankets, iron, kettle, and laundry basket, items like are life savers. Although it’s a common practice to share your peer’s things in a dorm. However, if you’ve come unprepared, chances are, they may come empty-handed too.
One more thing, dorms usually have shared internet facilities. Normally, multiple users on a single connection breaks it down from time to time. Besides adding to your frustration, you may not be able to fix it yourself.
A sturdy internet connection is a must, simply because as a student, you will need it for studies and to fulfill your entertainment cravings as well.
An internet connection like Xfinity can be your all-weather friend. The best part? As a student, you may not find more cheaper, yet lightning-fast internet connection than Xfinity. Connect to Xfinity Servicio al Cliente now and find out more about their budget-friendly plans and packages.
Budgeting:
Ah! If only I knew how to properly manage my budget as a student. Well, arguably, it was one of the biggest mistakes when I was living in the dorms, it made everything so fun.
The financial aspects of living in a dorm are way different than living in a home. It’s our parents or guardians who bear the financial responsibility of keeping everything afloat. As most college and university students do jobs to support themselves, they may get a little excited once they start earning.
Well, it’s normal to get excited, but things can soon go south if we’re not careful with your hard-earned money. When you’re in charge of the money, needs should take precedence. I feel guilty admitting that I made my wants and desires a priority.
The result?
I had the best clothes, a decorated room, unpaid fee vouchers that were overdue and only a loaf of bread and fruit jam to eat.
Gradually, I came to understand that no one would take on my responsibilities, I was accountable for them. This realization was important because it helped me fix the financial mess I had made.
As my priorities changed, my bank balance saw some really good days. I was able to save and pay my dues on time. Somewhat difficult not to buy things I wanted, but seeing my fridge full of healthy food and a mind at peace outshined everything.
So, going out once or twice a week is fine, but don’t make it a ritual, especially when you’re living in a dorm.
Be Modest:
Besides necessities, you may regret taking tons of things with you. Most of us may think it’s best to have a wardrobe full of clothes in a dorm, but that is altogether wrong.
Why?
Because hoarding stuff in your room means more mess and may require more vigilance to keep them safe. In my experience, the less we have, the more organized our dorms are. Plus, as you visit home, bring in new clothes and leave the old ones behind.
Learn Basic Skills:
It doesn’t matter if you know how to cook or not, living in a dorm will surely teach you. Also, ever washed clothes? Or made your bed? Well, these are some basic life skills that will come in handy when living in the dorms.
It’s best to learn a few easy-to-make recipes while you’re still at home. Simply because one cannot survive on frozen or canned food for so long. At some stage, you will need to cook, and that’s when all the toiling at home would make sense.
The same goes for different chores such as washing clothes and utensils, making your bed or keeping your stuff organized. So, if you’re sure of spending some years in a dorm, don’t be unprepared.
Bottom Line:
Not going to lie, my first few months in a dorm were awful. I simply couldn’t bear everything around me. However, as I settled down, I found myself acing at the dorm life. Back in my days, I would’ve surely become more comfortable earlier had I known these tips. Nevertheless, these tips can prove to be of service if you’re heading to a dorm. Good luck!
