When I went to college, one aspect I didn’t give much thought to was my living situation.

WHEN I LEFT FOR COLLEGE, one aspect I didn’t give much thought to was my living situation. Ultimately chose a school where it was too complex to commute, so I decided to live at school. I was extremely fortunate that my parents supported me and covered the costs to give me the simplest option at my university, which was to live in the college dorms and then on campus college apartments.

There were things I both liked and disliked as well as things I wished I knew when I made the decision and navigated my way through my living situation at college. Here are five things I wish I would have been aware of before I moved in to the dorms

1
UNDERSTAND IT’S OKAY TO BE OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Regardless of your situation you most likely will be sharing either a bedroom or living space ( bathroom/ living room/ kitchen ) with at least one other student. It is important to have open conversations to set boundaries and expectations. I was conflicted about sharing my diagnosis that I was on the autism spectrum. As I had minimal to no arguments with my roommates and was able to talk through the whatever issues did come up I decided not to disclose until my last yearThe people you live with cannot read your mind so learn to be respectful by being open to honest conversations to discuss the living situation.

1
have honest conversations

Regardless of your situation you most likely will be sharing either a bedroom or living space ( bathroom/ living room/ kitchen ) with at least one other student. It is important to have open conversations to set boundaries and expectations. The people you live with cannot read your mind, so learn to be respectful by being open to honest conversations to discuss the living situation.

I learned about compromise, speaking up, and how to research my options if I needed them.

3
make your living space your own.

In order to get through a living situation that is newer or different from what you are used to, try to make yourself feel at home by making your space your own. Even if you share a room or apartment, chances are there is a part of the space that is only yours. Add decorations and similar items that you identify with and make you feel happy. This hopefully helps remind you why you are pushing for a better future in college and are in your current living situation.

It pays off to make the most of your living situation.

4
use the provided amenities

Most commonly on campus dorms and apartments, the living options at universities will provide different support and or amenities. Living on a campus dorm and then campus apartment, I was readily given access to an RA ( Residents Assistants) should any issues arise as well as different facility room access such as study rooms, and invitation to social events. While you don’t need to fully utilize your amenities it is good to learn about what additional support you are paying for ( usually for on campus living options ) and take advantage of anything you can benefit from using that is provided.

It’s important to take advantage of the dorm experience to learn about yourself and what you can do to set up your living situation to be productive and ultimately successful. I learned about compromise, speaking up, and how to research my options if I needed them. It pays off to make the most of your living situation.