By Matthew Marango And Thompson Perry

Being uprooted from home, coming to a college campus in a large city and living in a small room with a stranger would be a daunting prospect to almost anyone.

However, most students agree that with a little perseverance and a healthy attitude, it can be a positive experience.

“[Freshmen] should get to know the people in their dorm and hall,” said junior elementary education major Ashley Brown. “They’re all going through the same transition and live right next door.”

George Rollins, a freshman vocal performance major, experienced a lot more down time than he expected: “Bring something that you really enjoy doing, because I had a lot of free time.”

When it comes to eating, it is important for students to be prepared for facing hunger without the stocked pantry of home. Convenient and easy options include microwavable snacks like popcorn, soup and pre-made meals.

Freshman archaeology major Hannah Hundley lists cleaning supplies and disposable dishes as necessities.

“You will never actually wash dishes if you have real ones,” said Hundley. “And then it just gets disgusting. Trust me.”

For her, adjusting to dorm life wasn’t difficult.

“My roommate and I get along pretty well,” said Hundley. “We’re very different, but we’ve been friends for like eight years now.”

Bryen Warfield, a sophomore music education/music performance major, suggests bringing a microwave, TV, iron, toiletries, clothes and storage space for food.

“Don’t bring more than you need at first,” Warfield said. “Get a feel of the room and your roommate and then decide what else needs to be brought from home or a store.”

For many living in the residence halls, the experience is their first time sharing their living space with someone else; in many cases, this person is a stranger at the beginning of the semester.

According to first year computer engineering major Jacob Schreiver, it is important to collaborate early with your roommate to identify and address areas of concern.

“Set up boundaries with your roommate early on to avoid conflicts or arguments later,” said Schreiver.

The adjustment can prove to be difficult, but with an open mind and a little effort, students are often surprised at just how easy it is to forge relationships with the new faces that will surround them in their new homes.

First year computer engineering major Brandon Zega agrees with the notion that it is important to acquaint oneself with as many of their housemates as possible.

“Meeting new people is a great experience so staying in the room instead of getting out and getting to know people is pointless for staying in a dorm,” said Zega. “If [students] want to do that, find an apartment.”

Senior sociology major Amanda James advises incoming freshmen not to be scared about the prospect of living in a dorm for the first time.

“I ended up getting two best friends out of my roommates,” said James. “I thought the community bathroom thing would be really difficult. But both of those things and everything else I thought would be hard ended up being non-existent issues.”

In addition to the friendship that she forged with her roommates, James sees the dorm experience as an opportunity to reach out and connect with the entire campus, not just those sharing living space.

“[Living in a dorm] opens so many opportunities,” said James. “You have the ability to meet people and to make friends; you are automatically given the opportunity to be involved.”

James enjoyed the residence hall experience so much that she lived in the dorms all four years of college. For her, the advantages of dorm life were just too plentiful to relinquish.

“One advantage I wouldn’t trade for the world is the ability to roll out of bed only minutes before class starts, to walk across campus, and still be there on time,” said James. “I cannot imagine having to wake up early, get ready, drive to school in traffic, and ride the black loop to class.”

Before he got to experience those opportunities for himself, Devon Arnold admits that he had heard the horror stories about college roommates; luckily, he avoided that brand of chaos with his on-campus living experience.

“I was always lucky,” said Arnold. “I actually chose to live with my first roommate; we were high school buddies and all was well.

“I think living in a dorm with someone strengthens a relationship immeasurable amounts. Roommates are one of the best aspects of living on campus.”

For students like Arnold, dorm life is an essential part of the college experience.

“Freshman should definitely try living in a dorm their first year of college,” said Arnold. “I always try to express the importance of moving on from your parents’ houses and beginning to live life on your own.”

For a largely commuter campus, living in a residence hall may not seem like the most natural choice; however, according to those who have firsthand experience of campus life, it provides opportunities that students will likely not find anywhere else.

“College life is not about partying and drinking and occasionally going to class,” said senior Misti Walker. “It’s about meeting new people, enjoying new experiences, and getting the education you need to be successful in life.”