Dorm Worries from an Incoming Freshman Girl

Student Lounge College Life
1

I start college in less than a month, and along with that will be of course moving into a dorm and living with other people for the first time in my life. I have some seemingly silly questions that have been bugging me for a while and I was hoping some experienced members on this site could help me out. For one, I’m really into nail polish and painting my nails often. Do girls living in dorms do their nails inside their dorms, or is that a college no-no? Also, changing and getting dressed- do people change in their dorms in front of their roommate, or always get dressed in the bathroom stalls? I know these questions sound dumb but I’m genuinely curious and want to know before I embark on this journey, thanks!

2

Nail polish - first take note if your roomie has polished nails. If she does there is a good chance you will both be doing your nails in the room. When you get ready for a fresh color you can always casually ask, “do you mind if I do my nails in the room?” If she does, go to the lounge.

The clothing - you do what’s comfortable for you. Don’t a make a big deal of it, just do what you need to do.

Remember, every freshman has worries and nerves. It’s all normal and you’ll be ok.

3

If you have closet doors, you could open them up and stand between to get dressed, making it a little less out in the open. I think that’s what I did a long time ago, but I also had big closet doors that you might not have.

4

My D was very worried about the changing thing and living with roommates as she’s an only child. She ended up being placed in a quad with three strangers and ended LOVING the experience. Pretty sure my D changed in the bathroom for the first few weeks, but the changing thing became a non issue as they all grew more comfortable and safe with each other. People just turned around and got dressed in the room.

I agree that everyone is nervous at first.

Hope you have a great freshman year!

5

Hi! College junior here.

  1. Nail polish - Personally it’s pretty standard to paint your nails in your own space. I would ask first to be respectful, but I doubt it will be a problem.
  2. Getting dressed - Honestly, do what makes you comfortable. In my experience, my roommates and I usually change clothes in front of each other, just turned away or in the corner.
    Let me know if you have any other questions!