This is the time of year that many high school seniors start buzzing with excitement about dorm life. For most people, it’s like the first taste of real independence. Of course, there are many things to look forward to with a move to a college dorm, but it might not be all fun and games.

Living in a dorm as a college freshman can seem like a sleepover that lasts a whole semester or year! You get to decorate your own space, meet people from all walks of life, and make new friends. Generally, no one is telling you exactly what to do and when to do it. You might also experience late-night chats that turn into deep conversations and connections. In a dorm, there is always something going on and always someone to do things with. Everyone looks forward to snack runs late at night, and of course, there are the all-night study sessions with new friends and study groups.

There is a sense of community in dorms that you do not always experience in other living situations, which is why many colleges and universities require on campus living for first-year students. It is not just about having a place to crash. Dorm living allows residents to experience the campus and campus activities, become a part of the campus community, but still have a built in support system. There is independence away from family but resident advisors and dorm-mates to help you out if you need it. 

While there are a lot of things exciting about moving into a dorm, not every senior is excited about dorm life. Some may be nervous  about sharing a room. In many cases, they  could be sharing a room with someone they have never met. One issue is the limited privacy, and it may be difficult to have some alone time. Then there is an issue of cleanliness. Maybe you are the messy one, and this is more of an issue for your roommate. Shared bathrooms could present a problem of availability on the days you are running late, and they might not be the cleanest places if the residents are responsible for cleaning. 

There are other downsides to the college dorms. There are not as many home comforts. Some students do experience homesickness. Leaving the comfort of home and family can be tough. Also, there is homecooking to miss and the favorite meal you can only get at home. Dining hall food may get old pretty quickly. In addition, noise is an issue in dorm living. The walls could be thin, and neighbors could be loud, making it difficult to study or to sleep. There are also rules and regulations for dorm living. These rules and regulations may make a dorm feel more restrictive to someone used to more freedom. 

While dorm life opens up all sorts of new possibilities for those who take advantage of everything they offer, it is important to keep in mind some of the drawbacks to communal dorm living. By keeping in mind all aspects of living in a dorm, hopefully you will keep realistic expectations, and that first year will be off to a great start.