<p>As a rising senior, I'm very excited about going to college in a little more than a year.</p>
<p>However, I am really nervous about living in the dorms.</p>
<p>I really am not comfortable living that close to that many people and get really nervous and anxious. </p>
<p>Does anybody else have this?</p>
<p>Is living in a dorm necessary the first year?</p>
<p>Unless you’re commuting, yes, it’s pretty much always required for at least the first two years.</p>
<p>Yes, but there are some colleges that have suite-style living arrangements, where it would seem like you’re sharing a space with less people. You won’t even be living with anyone but your roommate(s), and there’s often the option of asking for a single. Do you feel the same anxiety staying at hotels where there are other people in adjacent rooms? It will be like that (I imagine, I’m not actually in college yet), but over time, you’ll learn to be comfortable around each other.</p>
<p>I’m actually pretty excited, it’s solely on the fact that I love meeting new people. I know some schools require that you live on the dorms unless you have a reason. Ohio State requires first years to live on campus. What you’re going through is just a phase, my friend went through kind of the same thing, but once she got there, she was friends with everyone on her floor.</p>
<p>I don’t mind staying in hotels.</p>
<p>Would it be best just to request a single?</p>
<p>Its really only people SEEING me sleep, change, do homework…</p>
<p>It gives me this completely irrational anxiety.</p>
<p>Then just stay in a hotel all 4 years.
…kidding.</p>
<p>I honestly think you would get used to it, but yeah, you should request a single.</p>
<p>I know what you mean, ElizabethC. </p>
<p>I’m a rising senior too so I’m also a bit worried about the dorm situation. Due to distance, I have to dorm and there really isn’t much of an alternative for me. I mainly worried about how clean the rooms are going to be.</p>
<p>Yeah, I’d say apply for the single (apply ASAP and specify if they ask that a single is your top priority when it comes to housing). But as you make friends and get comfortable with the people around you, really try to transition into living with a roommate (maybe request to room with a close friend). You’ll be prepared if your college moves people around rooming-wise. Moreover, it’s good personal development to start working on facing and conquering this issue. </p>
<p>Some colleges ensure that you get a roommate that goes to bed and wakes up around the same time as you. You can always find private places to change (bathroom stalls, closets). As for doing homework, I guess there might be private study rooms or a nook in the library you can get. </p>
<p>Maybe try looking into getting counseling (now is better but there are sometimes on-campus centers too); maybe you have a little social anxiety?</p>