Adjusting to Dorm Life

For most high school students, going to college is a huge dream. Somehow, the idea of starting over somewhere new is exciting, but also terrifying. As someone who has never lived anywhere else but the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I can easily say I was more than ready to tackle college in a new state. Yes, I was enthusiastic, but also insanely nervous. I could not wait for the freedom that I would soon have and I was ready for a fresh start. However, I am one of five and the only girl. Falling second in the birth order, I still never had to share anything really, maybe a few unisex onesies as a baby, but that’s about it. Not having to share much was great, until I moved into college on a hall with sixty some girls and two roommates. Just because I didn’t have a ton of experience splitting up space did not mean I was bad at it, either. I just wasn’t used to it. Dorm life is great, once you get settled in. The first day or so is a little awkward because you want your room to be split up fairly but without making anyone mad from the get-go. I can honestly say, it wasn’t a terrible transition it was just—different. I was more comfortable in my home with my own room, not having to worry about anyone else’s sleep schedule, coming and going as I pleased, etc. I have new responsibilities as a roommate. Instead of staying up late doing homework in my room with the light on, I go out in the hall when my roommates go to bed earlier than I. Sharing space with them is easy, once you declare what’s what. With three people to a room, there will always be a little bit of awkwardness to the initial “who gets the lofted bed?” conversation. As I said, both of my roommates tend to go to bed before me so we all agreed that the two of them sharing a bunk bed is more ideal. I also apparently talk in my sleep which I didn’t learn until I went to college because I never had to share a room with anyone and no one ever knew—oops, sorry Sam and Kinsey! My roommates are great, by the way, could not have asked for anyone better! Dorm living is amazing, but definitely an adjustment for me. I have to admit, I was also not prepared for the late-night giggle hours down the hall when I’m trying to sleep but now, I couldn’t imagine life without it. It’s cool to hear people having that much fun together, plus you adjust and learn to fall asleep in literally any environment. One major thing that helped me, which might also help you, is that I had the resting assurance that I was placed in the specific dorm, on a specific hall, with specific roommates for a reason. It all aligned with God’s plan in the end and it worked out better than ever! For anyone who is feeling nervous for living in a dorm, just stay patient and know that you will eventually get settled in and more comfortable and it is definitely worth it in the long run! All in all, living in a dorm is probably the best decision I ever made because it has already taught me so much and for that, I am forever thankful!

“As for them in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience” Luke 8:15 (ESV)

xoxo,

B. Kate