College.
The idea of moving 975 miles and 15 hours and 46 minutes away is a bit daunting, especially the part about living with a complete stranger. While a little scared I am extremely excited about going somewhere new, where I know no one. Fresh starts are completely wonderful, and I’m looking forward to make the best of the one that faces me next fall.
I’ve been doing a lot of research at the college I’ll be attending and they have 6 different rooming situations ranging from a traditional double room that is included in the comprehensive college fee, to a single deluxe suite that is $4,750 a year. My first year I’m most definitely going to be in a standard room so without question I’m going to have a roommate, and I’m a little apprehensive about this.
What if she hates me?
What if she’s completely annoying?
What if she judges me for my personal tastes?
Of course, I’m not perfect either. I live in a state of organized chaos that irks my OCD stepmom. I always have a clean floor, but my bookshelves are stuffed to the brim and there are even more piles of books everywhere else I can squeeze them. I don’t have any proper area for my art things so they kind of just lay wherever, and my computer desk? Yeah. I don’t even want to talk about that. But I’m clean for the most part. My dirty laundry ends up in its basket, if I drink something or eat something the night before the dishes get put up and cleaned in the morning. I’m not a fan of dusting, so I usually do that a few times a month (gastly! I know.) and my decorations are eclectic/indie.
Needless to say I’m sure a lot of my habits will annoy whomever I end up rooming with. I’m so envious of my friends who are going to the same college and have the opportunity to live with each other, but at the same time I would hate the possibility of conflict.
Out of all of this jumbled mess of nerves that comes with preparing for college the roommate situation is what bothers me the most. If I’m stressed out I can’t seek out solitude and my parent’s house for the weekend, and what if I get sick? I’ve never had to deal with being sick or physically stressed on my own before. I’m good with taking care of others, but if it weren’t for my parents I’d be going to school with fevers and whatnot, completely unaware of why I felt under the weather.
I like planning ahead, or at least I like knowing what to expect. I’m quite aware that this is my inner control freak coming out, but when I read things like this, I get anxious. I feel the need to form a game plan, if you will, so that I won’t be caught off guard.
Like me, I know a few of you guys are in the same boat as me--- preparing for college and whatnot and I feel a little relieved that I won’t necessarily be the only one stressing about this. My friends for the most part are staying local, so they don’t have to worry about things as much.
Anyways, I found this article a little reassuring. However the roommate contract thing seems like it would be a little weird to approach, but helpful in the long run.
What about you higher education veterans? Any advice?
I'm considering a few colleges in North Carolina... not sure which one I'll end up with, but maybe I'll end up there near you? :D
ReplyDeleteI don't know, I'm definitely freaking out about this too. I just really hope that my roommate isn't some major slut that brings home a guy every night and has extremely loud sex with him while I attempt to sleep less than three feet away. THAT would be ultimate horror roommate... And yeah, for me, going from being an only child with my own bathroom to sharing a cramped space with another person should be... interesting. Needless to say I'm worried too. Argh.
975 miles and 15 hours and 46 minutes away does indeed sound mighty daunting, but I honestly think you can handle it.
ReplyDeleteWait, college you're attending? Have you applied and already gotten in? (I ask in all sincerity because I know someone who has applied to a school and already been accepted.) If so, congrats!
I've always had to share at least a bathroom with my brothers so I am used to general messiness, unfortunately.
I'm not sure if I have any profound advice given that I'm in the same boat as you. Other than, y'know, we'll survive. :D
@Natalie If we do end up in the same relative location that would be too cool! Also, growing up I had to share a room with my little sister off and on, but she tends to be messier than me most of the time. DUDE. I didn't even think about the possibility of a sex maniac roommate. D:
ReplyDelete@Lizzie I haven't applied yet. Due to the fact that I'm going to try for interview/merit based scholarship from the school I have to wait the regular admission time :/
It can be hard adjusting to new people, but I think you can do it, if you can be a little messy
ReplyDelete