FROM NOOB TO PRO: DORM LIFE
Dorm life is an exciting transition for every boarder. The period of settling in, however, can be daunting. After three years of boarding, I can say that I’ve seen everything, from blown up microwaves to pulled fire alarms. So, to help you avoid mishaps like these, here are some useful reminders for the year ahead.
When moving into the dorm, think practically. As a chronic overpacker, my room is always cluttered when I move in. Packing the essentials and building upon them post move-in helps to avoid the overflow of items. It’s unlikely you’ll need the winter coat until later in the year. Some of my favorite dorm essentials include a small fan and a mattress topper. Furthermore, don’t buy exuberant amounts of ‘stuff’ on weekends. Do you really need four jewelry dishes?
Remember your chores. When assigned dorm jobs, make a schedule for when you will complete yours. Your dorm head might hate it when the trash isn’t taken out, but so will you when the overflowing can smells like your roommate’s ramen from last night. Chores don’t only apply to those assigned weekly, but also the ones that we do every day. Clean your room, so you don’t get demerits. Take your laundry out, so it’s not put in storage. These small rules will keep your day running smoothly, and your weekends free from working in Mr. McDonald’s yard.
Use your critical thinking skills!! I will never forget walking into Coors on a random weekday and smelling smoke. I saw one of my friends next to a completely obliterated microwave. She had put a ramen container made of aluminium into the microwave. Although this might seem obvious, do not put metal in there. I had to stop the same person from putting her fork in the microwave. Multiple times. Blowing up a microwave is an express way to worksquad on a Saturday.
These thinking skills (most of which are common sense) also serve as general etiquette in every dorm. Clean up after yourself in public spaces and report any damages you see. If a friend lends you a sweater, don’t start ‘borrowing’ from their wardrobe. The most important part of living cohesively with a group of people is being honest and considerate.
With these tricks up your sleeve, adapting to boarding life is simple. So long as we all clean up after ourselves and don’t put metal in microwaves (fingers crossed), the coming year will be great!