Why I Moved Three Times in College
When I first started college, I chose the simplest option: a dorm room on campus. Finding off-campus housing seemed like an unnecessary hassle. Why spend time apartment hunting when the university offered dorms conveniently close to classrooms, dining halls, and the gym? Plus, living with fellow students seemed like a safe and easy way to make friends.
So, I procrastinated and applied for housing at the last minute, assuming it would all work out. By then, the single and double rooms were all taken. I ended up in a four-person dorm. At first, it was exciting. My three roommates were from different parts of the country, each bringing unique stories and perspectives. Late-night conversations about our hometowns, favorite foods, and various interests made for some unforgettable memories.
However, as the semester progressed, the novelty wore off. Our differing schedules and habits began to clash. I’m a night owl, with most of my classes in the afternoons and evenings. Despite my efforts to be quiet, the glow of my laptop and the clacking of my keyboard often disturbed my early-to-bed roommates. Conversely, their early morning routines would wake me up just as I was getting my best sleep. Small things like this started to add up, creating tension and frustration.
By the end of freshman year, I knew I needed a change. I started looking into other options, applying for a single dorm room while also exploring off-campus housing. Finding a single dorm was a long shot, and my luck with lotteries is notoriously bad. So, I focused on off-campus options and eventually found a place just west of campus. The commute was longer, but the freedom to live on my own schedule was a relief. I no longer worried about disturbing anyone and enjoyed the peace of my own space.
But living alone came with its own challenges. Coming home to an empty apartment felt lonely, and the rent was higher than I’d hoped. By junior year, I decided to find a roommate. I connected with a fellow student, and we rented a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom apartment. This arrangement offered the best of both worlds: personal space when I needed it and company when I wanted it. We balanced our alone time with shared meals, movie nights, and occasional game sessions. Plus, splitting the rent made it much more affordable.
Looking back, I’m grateful for each stage of my college living experience. The crowded dorm taught me about compromise and living with others. My solo apartment time gave me independence and self-reliance. And my current shared apartment strikes a perfect balance between solitude and companionship. Each phase helped me understand my needs and preferences, leading me to a living situation that truly suits me. Along the way, I’ve made lifelong friends and created a home away from home.
