College experience includes dorm life, dining halls

Jun 15 2009 - 12:55pm | Ashley Dickinson

The ups and downs of residence halls are something that most Texas State freshmen and sophomores are required to experience, and some dorm veterans shared advice for future residents.

Jaisie Stevens, former Sterry Hall and College Inn resident, said the best thing about living in dorms is the close proximity to campus.

However, she said dorms have certain disadvantages.

“Privacy is an issue. The worst thing is wanting to get away sometimes,” said Stevens, exercise and sports science senior. “You definitely need to be able to separate yourself from the people you live with. You don’t want to get overly annoyed with them.”

According to www.collegetips.com, setting the dorm rules early about visitors and borrowing clothes can make a tight situation more acceptable.

Stevens agreed.

“Get to know the people that you’re living with so you can work out a schedule for cleaning bathrooms or taking out the trash,” she said.

Stevens said meeting new people is one of the best aspects of dorm life.

“Pot-lucking is not a bad idea,” she said. “You really do get to meet people. I never would have met some of my friends if I had chosen to live with people I already knew.”

Rena Iglehart, former Falls Hall and Beretta resident, also said the variety of people is an advantage to dorm life.

“Having people from different backgrounds and different walks of life all in one place can be exciting and interesting,” said Iglehart, electronic media senior.

However, she said there are aspects of living in the dorm that can be trying.

“During cricket season, a bunch of them are everywhere, and having up to five crickets in every room can get really frustrating,” she said.

The annual San Marcos invasion of crickets may not be the only thing to surprise new residents. Some dorm inhabitants during the spring semester of 2009 experienced a week-long hot-water shortage because of a broken boiler. Iglehard said it was probably the worst part of her two-year dorm career.

Jessie Wilhelm, former College Inn resident, advised new students to be careful with parking and to time off-campus trips accordingly to secure a space.

“When I needed to go to the store or something, I would have to get my car and I would most likely lose my parking space,” said Wilhelm, interior design senior.

Stevens said the dining halls may seem exciting and new at first, but students should be careful with where they eat — not only for health reasons.

“The meal trades get really old,” she said. “Try your best to eat at different places because you will eventually get sick of it.”

Iglehart said dorm life, with its disadvantages, is still worthwhile.

“Dorm life is about adapting and getting to know new people,” she said. “You don’t always have what you want. The air conditioner may not always work and you may have no hot water for a while. Everything is not going to be ideal like you see on TV. The real joys of living in the dorm are getting to meet new people. I think everyone should experience dorm life.”

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