The dorm living arrangement enables you to meet new people with various backgrounds who hale from different parts of the world. However, a large community comprised mainly of 18-year-old students can lead to some crazy antics and distractions from your studies.
Here are some helpful tips to avoid the pitfalls of dorm life while still enjoying the experience…
1.) Balance your schedule
You must find an equilibrium between completing your school work and socializing with dorm buddies. A good way to do this is write out your schedule a week in advance. Plan your days in a manner that ensures you have enough time to study and complete assignments without them conflicting with social time. I suggest getting all your school work done as soon as possible (preferably early morning or mid-afternoon) and then have the evenings to devote to your friends, roommates, and fellow dormitory inhabitants.
2.) Put your school work first
This is eluded to in Tip #1, but it still warrants attention. You must prioritize your school assignments ahead of any social events or outings. This should be basic knowledge, but so many college students neglect their school work, put it off until the last minute, and spend a majority of their time partying. That is a formula for disaster. Of course, I’m not saying you should shun your friends and never go out. All I’m saying is that you must place an emphasis and getting your required assignments done and then enjoy the social scene. Apply this philosophy—work hard, but play harder. Study intensely and then treat yourself with a night on the town.
3.) Maintain a positive relationship with all of your roommates
This is essential if you want to have a pleasant dorm life. Conflicts between roommates are common, but I highly recommend avoiding them at all possible. The tension that can be built up between roommates can create a toxic environment that is not conducive to focused studying or good times during parties and other social occasions within your dorm room. If a conflict cannot be avoided, try to work it out rationally and maturely. If the conflict centers around a very emotional subject, you should consult with your R.A. (Resident Advisor) to see if they can be a mediator. The goal is to resolve the conflict in a calm fashion which provides an amicable outcome.
These three tips will allow you to perform well academically while still enjoying the social aspects of dorm life. They may seem simplistic, but you’d be surprised at how many college students neglect them and succumb to the pitfalls of dorm life.