There are a few basics to successful dorm living. Follow this advice, and you’ll survive with some money to spare. Don’t, and you’ll be broke. Simple, right?
Rule No. 1 is to keep your key on you at all times. Keep your key on a lanyard around your neck and fall asleep wearing it if you have to! (Actually, that might be dangerous, so don’t.)
If you get locked out, you’ll be issued a temporary replacement key. You’re allowed a number of free lockouts for the whole year, and they run out quickly! After that, they’ll start charging a bunch of money for each successive lock out.
Rule No. 2 is to familiarize yourself with your area. Learn the lay of the land and find out what services your dorm area can offer you. Every dorm area comes equipped with washing machines and dryers, but did you know that the dorms also have a maintenance service called iService?
The next thing that you have to realize is your RA is both an employee and a normal person. So, Rule No. 3 is don’t make his or her life a living hell by doing dumb things. Plastic plates will melt and start a fire if you put them on the stove or in the oven. This should be obvious. The corollary to this is to learn the rules and abide by them. Remember, the RA is also an excellent resource for all of your questions. Don’t be afraid to talk to him or her.
Rule No. 4 is to have fun with it. Dorm life is a novel experience. It’s something that can only happen while you’re in college.
But this leads to our Rule No. 5: Make sure you leave after one year. After the novelty has worn off, and after you’ve grown more accustomed to standing on your own two feet, there’s not much use for it. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth if you move off campus.
Brandon Lee Gagne is a UF anthropology senior. This column originally ran on page 9 on 8/14/2013 under the headline "More to dorms than you think"
