<p>I'm just hoping to get some feedback about what living in college dorms are like. I got into Thurgood Marshall at UCSD so here's a high possibility that I'll be attending that school, but I'm not sure if its a good idea to live on campus. For people who live in dorms, is it hard to adjust? Are there any issues with roommates? And can I use loans or scholarship money to pay for my dorm rent?</p>
<p>I’m going to give you my experience with college dorms so that I can try and answer your question.
First of all: Yes, you can use loan and scholarship money to pay for dorm rent. Your dorm is charged on your student bill and any and all financial aid will be used to cover as much of that bill as possible. Whatever is left, you must find another way to cover. If you choose to live off campus, your financial aid may actually OVER-pay, and you will receive this money in a check to you. You could use that for rent in an apartment, books, school supplies, or anything else school-related. (Rent is school-related because you have to live somewhere near the school to be able to attend.)</p>
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<li> Issues with roommates - I don’t know about this specific school, but I’ve gone to two colleges in my academic career. At the first, a private school, I had an amazing roommate. She was sweet and we got along great. She did like to party, though, and often brought her boyfriend home with her. If you can’t handle a little puking, hangovers, and boys in your room, then you will need to reevaluate your living situation. Some of my friends had bad roommates, but they requested room changes and found new situations as quickly as they could. My current university has a “roommate swap” option mid-semester. You can choose to change rooms with a friend’s roommate in the event that all four roommates agree.<br></li>
<li>Is it hard to adjust? No, not really. Okay, that’s a lie. At first, it is hard. You have to be able to branch out and try to make friends for it to feel okay. You have to hang up posters, get a nice rug, and take your fave stuffed animal. You have to make sure taht you call your family to have them remind you they love you, and you have to establish boundaries with your roomie the same way you would with a brother or sister. But you can do it. I was really having trouble my first semester, but I adjusted after a month, when I made best friends with a girl in a class of mine. You have to be social, but you can make it worth.</li>
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<p>Some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- If you can afford it, go for a single.
- If you want to save money, LIVE OFF CAMPUS. My apartment is $300. My dorm was $900. That’s MONTHLY costs. The meal plan is also about double the cost of groceries.
- Be social!
- Take showers.
- Address rumors head on. Someone says you are weird? And you hear them? Just go up to them, introduce yourself, and let them get to know the REAL you.
- Be willing to discuss problems with your roommate.
- DO NOT GO STRAIGHT TO THE RA WITH PROBLEMS WITH YOUR ROOMIE. Talk to her first. It will make things less awkward. Only if the problems persist should you seek higher help.
- Don’t be afraid to bring a stuffed pet, a comfy blankie, or your scrapbooks.</p>
<p>Over all, living on campus has been an AMAZING learning experience for me. That being said, I can’t wait to live in my apartment next semester. I’ve got my down payment paid, and I move in very soon. However, I feel it is NECESSARY for someone to experience dorm life at least once to get the full college experience.</p>
<p>If you are a social student and know how to enjoy the life, you shouldnt be worried. I am not saying you should go to parties all the time but u have to be social when you go to college. Keep meet with new people and join clubs. You will be fine dont worry all freshmen are in the same situation like you :)</p>