By Monique Davis, Co-Lifestyle Editor
Most college kids dream of the day they get to pack up all their belongings, kiss their loved ones goodbye, and move into their new home on their college campuses. Being thrilled over the fact that no one can tell them what to do, what to wear, what time to come home, or what to eat for dinner. Having this idea that you will party every weekend, become best friends with your new roommates, and have the best college dorm experience of your entire life. Alright, now let’s snap back into reality.
My perfect fantasy bubble about living on campus was quickly popped when I started my journey of living on campus at Dominguez Hills. I don’t have the luxury of coming home from school and having a hot cooked meal waiting for me on the kitchen table or toiletries magically appearing when I’m running low.
Now, I have to keep track of my own supplies and necessities, and run to the store when I’m all out. I also have to come home after a long day of classes and fix my own meals to keep myself from starving even though I can’t even cook. I don’t have the luxury of turning to my parents and asking them “ Hey mom, hey dad, what should I say?” when I have to make my own appointments or handle “ grown-up situations” over the phone.
Instead of having my parents to nurse me back to health when I get sick, I now have to lay in my dorm and pray that God gives me the strength to go to my classes.
Saying that I received the biggest reality check of my life would be an understatement.
Strike one was moving into the dorms that have no air conditioning. Living in Los Angeles county where sunny days comes with heat always made me question why my school would install heaters in the dorms instead of air conditioning. Strike two was putting six people in one dorm with only one shower. It’s extremely hard to get ready for the day which includes a shower when one roommate stays in the shower for 45 minutes. Strike 3 is constant distractions within the dorming complex. It seems like every time I try to peacefully do my homework, study for a test, or even take a nap, my neighbor’s blast music, or talk extremely loud even with all the windows closed.
Being able to have the freedom to do whatever I want whenever I want definitely came with a price. Dorming gives you the chance to experience independence and gives you an early look at adulthood. I wish I could turn back the clock of comfortably living in my own home with my family with no responsibilities and cares in the world. Enjoy that time while you can because moving out on your own will be a big wake up call.