Somehow dorm life is seen as the epitome of the college experience.
Nah, who says you're missing out by living at home? You don't have to share your bathroom with 60 gorillas, you might even have a car, which most students in rez don't have.
Besides, there's enough challenges getting used to college without all the other life adjustments. You'll still have to balance priorities, do well academically and develop your social life.
For those of you lucky enough to enjoy the privacy of your own room by living at home with your parents, here's how to survive co-existing under the same roof with them without going crazy:
- Create yourself a life outside of home...
Living at home doesn't have to mean social suicide. Meet new friends in your classes or in the many campus clubs and activities you should join.
Hang out at other venues: restaurants, coffee shops, the campus pub, clubs, parks, or there's always someone else's party to visit. When you do have people over, be respectful and keep noise level to a minimum.
- ...but don't ignore your family either.
Chances are, you'll be on a different schedule than your parents most days anyway. Spend enough time with them so they aren't frustrated with only seeing the back of you walking out the door all the time.
Be respectful. Don't treat home like a hotel or your parents like the front desk people. Appreciate them and try not to take them for granted. Take them out for dessert once in a blue moon.
- Communicate.
Sit down to discuss expectations, like you would with a roommate about curfew, alcohol, room privacy, food, having friends and guests over for visits, phone usage, study time, and your contribution to the house (financial or chores).
- Set boundaries.
Establishing boundaries, both time and space, will help you maintain your independence. Decorate your room like an apartment or dorm room. Get your own phone.
- Enjoy it!
Remind yourself often of all the little perks: you don't have to pack and move, pay rent or laundry, attempt cooking, or share your bathroom. You might even have access to a car and have a quiet study spot.
Besides, you won't be living with your parents for the rest of your life anyway!
Justine has lived in all kinds of situations -- from living in her own apartment to herself, to rooming with 40 other people. Sometimes she wishes she could go back to living with her parents because their relationship is now more like friends than parents. Copyright 2001 iamnext.com May not be used without permission.
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