Is Dorm Life a Dream or Nightmare?
When I first started college, living in a dorm felt like the ultimate adventure. Growing up as an only child meant I was used to having my own space, so moving into a four-person dorm with bunk beds was a whole new world. My roommates were great people, and I didn’t want to upset them, so when issues arose, I tended to adjust rather than speak up. For instance, my two roommates from the South couldn’t stand the cold and preferred to turn off the air conditioning at night. I, on the other hand, loved a cool room and felt comfortable with a blanket, but went along with their preference, often waking up in a sweat. One of the girls had a habit of tossing and turning in the top bunk, which, while not waking me up entirely, would ruin my chances of falling asleep.
Despite these small irritations, our initial weeks were filled with late-night chats, laughter, and a lot of learning about each other's backgrounds. These were some of the best moments of my freshman year.
As time went on, the small annoyances began to pile up. I found myself getting frustrated but continued to internalize my feelings, wondering if I was just being overly sensitive. I started to question my ability to live harmoniously with others and considered moving out, feeling a bit like a misfit who couldn't adapt.
By the end of the fall semester, we decided to go out and celebrate, and one of my roommates suggested we use the opportunity to air any grievances we had about living together. What followed was a surprisingly cathartic conversation. We all admitted to having our own little frustrations and were relieved to find out that everyone had been feeling the same way.
We talked for hours, addressing each issue one by one. For instance, our conflicting sleep schedules led to the purchase of small nightlights so late-night studying wouldn't disturb the early sleepers. One roommate, who often had long video calls with her family and boyfriend, agreed to set specific times for her calls to minimize disruption. Even the air conditioning dilemma was resolved by setting it to a more moderate temperature.
This open communication turned out to be the key to improving our living situation. We learned to speak up more often, resolving problems before they grew too big. Surprisingly, this honesty and openness didn't create awkwardness but rather strengthened our bonds. Our relationships flourished, and we became closer friends, maintaining these connections even after our dorm life ended. This experience taught me the power of clear, honest communication in all relationships. It encouraged me to express my needs and preferences openly, knowing that in a healthy relationship, both parties are willing to listen and compromise.
Living in that four-person dorm wasn't always easy, but it was an invaluable part of my college journey. Life with roommates can be a rollercoaster, but sometimes, the bumps along the way make the ride all the more memorable.
