Moving into college dorms is a stressful situation for most of us who are leaving home for the first time. When I started my first year at Bishop’s, I had a hard time grasping the fact that I would be living hours away from my family in an unfamiliar town. Even with all the excitement about being on my own, I couldn’t help but freak out a bit about the fact that I would be on my own. Obviously, leaving my family was challenging, but what really made me feel awkward was the change of living space and routines that came with it. I found it strange to have my own living space as someone who grew up in a household of six. But that didn’t last, and I quickly transformed my room into a little home.
Life in residence
While I was initially worried about feeling lonely in my room on campus, I quickly realized that, in residence, you are never alone. When I say never, I mean never. No matter when it is, there is so much life on campus. There are always people to chat and hang out with. The common areas and dining hall make socialization that much easier.
Dewies (the dining hall) is great because it gives me so many opportunities to get to know people. It kind of looks and feels like you’re eating at a sleep-away summer camp (pretty comfy) with the buffet-style food and the long wooden tables where everyone gathers to share a meal and a laugh. The halls and common rooms in the dorms have the same concept: everyone just stops to have a chat whether it’s 2pm or 2am (if you’re a light sleeper, invest in ear plugs to sleep).
I thought I would have felt lonely in my little dorm all alone, but honestly, I was relieved to have my own place to recharge my social battery. On a campus where things are always happening and you feel the constant energy all around you, it is necessary to take a breather and spend some one-on-one time with yourself. But an issue many of my friends encountered was a feeling that their dorm felt more like a hotel room, rather than home.
Don’t be like Zack and Cody
The “Suite Life” is not for everyone. I, for one, never felt like a visitor when I was in my own dorm room. I think that’s mainly because I took the time and effort to personalize my room. Some find it unnecessary and kind of a waste of money. I know it’s already so expensive to study far from home, but the goal is to create a new home away from home. If you feel like you’re just passing through when you take a look at your room, you did something wrong. Pictures, plants, cushions, posters, and instruments can easily change that. Little things like decorations can completely change your outlook on your living space.
Something about the vibe will be completely off if your room doesn’t look or feel like home. You won’t really care to spend much time in your own living space.
Chances are, you are going to reuse these decorations in a future apartment, anyway. Do not underestimate the value of investing in yourself! Transform your dorm into your little home.
