The new semester is just around the corner and thanks to an ongoing vaccination campaign, face-to-face events are again possible at many uni...
How do you get one of the coveted spots?
The early bird catches the worm or a place in the dorm. So don't take too long to search. Because even the largest halls of residence only have limited places. The sooner you have secured your place, the sooner you can look forward to life in the student residence without any worries. After all, having to look for a place just before you start your studies means sheer stress. Nevertheless, you should not rush to sign a rental agreement, but rather check the different halls of residence carefully. Because these differ in their location, equipment, costs, etc., in some cases significantly.
Living in a dorm: You need this
You are moving from your usual environment into a new apartment. Of course, you can get nervous and worry whether you have thought of everything. But the one thing you absolutely MUST NOT forget is earplugs and bedclothes. Because if you've had a good night's sleep, you can deal with every other problem. With your earplugs on, you can sleep like a baby no matter how noisy the housewarming party next door is. If you want to do something for your reputation, it is best to take 2 packs of earplugs with you. After all, you can give this pack away to fellow students who have been suffering for a long time. Believe us, they will be forever grateful to you and will certainly return the favor with at least one thank you a beer.
In addition to these essential items for survival, you also need the following things: Posters, curtains, or photos of your loved ones make even the dullest room in the dorm pretty.
A drinking water soda maker saves you the hassle of lugging around bottles and your own kettle provides you with tea and, if all else fails, with instant soup. Even your own coffee machine can be worth its weight in gold if you have the caffeine boost right at your desk during stressful learning phases. This way you avoid chatting up a roommate on the way to the kitchen.
Also, if possible, bring a comfortable desk chair, as you'll likely be spending more time studying than you'd like. Therefore, make sure you have a good posture and thus prevent back pain. A desk is also an absolute must if it is not already included in the furniture in the room.
In addition, a bedspread and a few small pillows are worthwhile, transforming your bed into a comfortable sofa for you and your guests during the day. You should also bring your own kitchen utensils and store them in your room. Although there is the basic equipment in most dormitories, this often leaves a lot to be desired in terms of cleanliness. With your own plates and a pot etc., you are on the safe side.
Don't be alone in the hustle and bustle
You're probably already feeling a little jittery and wondering the best way to connect and make new friends. After all, you quickly feel alone and lost in a student residence, especially at the beginning, also or precisely because it is teeming with people of the same age. So don't let yourself get lonely right at the beginning and introduce yourself to your new neighbors and roommates. If you're a little nervous, that's no problem at all, after all, that's what all newbies do. A good way to break the initial ice cream is to buy out a case of beer or home-baked muffins. So you automatically get into conversation with your new roommates.
Create a cleaning plan
As soon as you arrive at your new home, you quickly realize that you are now responsible for many things that have taken care of themselves at home. In order to fairly distribute activities such as cleaning, cooking, etc. between all roommates, it is advisable to draw up a cleaning plan. It is best to ask directly in the first few days whether a corresponding plan already exists. If not, you should create it together. This way you avoid turning your apartment into a chaotic battlefield.
However, don't raise your expectations too much when it comes to cleanliness. After all, very few halls of residence are characterized by their incomparable cleanliness. Therefore, be lenient, even if your roommates have not shown the highest motivation when cleaning. After all, starting a fight over every little thing isn't worth it. However, you shouldn't put up with everything and approach roommates who are too sloppy to clean. Don't criticize the person themselves and don't get bogged down in clumsy accusations. It is best to speak to the person concerned in a particularly friendly manner. For example, you could also have a beer together in the kitchen during the conversation. That takes the edge off the situation.
Everyday life begins
In a student residence, you have to get used to a completely new routine in your everyday life. For example, if you used to be able to leave the house in just a few minutes after getting up, you may have to change your mind now. Because now it can well be that your roommates occupy the bathroom in the morning and you have to wait. Therefore, plan enough time in the mornings, especially in the first two weeks of the semester. You should definitely not be late for the first lectures. Finally, all organizational questions are clarified at the beginning. Don't miss this. Therefore, be particularly disciplined at the beginning of the semester. After all, you can still do enough morning strolls in the following weeks.
Set Limits
In a dormitory, you can actually find a party with nice people at any time of the day or night. Take advantage of this offer and enjoy your life in the student residence to the fullest. But always be aware that you are a full-time student and therefore the parties must not get out of hand or affect your performance in your studies. So set yourself limits and sometimes skip a party. After all, every student needs a break from time to time. Under no circumstances should you be afraid of being considered a bore if you skip a party. After all, no one can always be on the move and even the biggest party fans will sooner or later treat themselves to a break.
Give your flatmates freedom
If you get along particularly well with your roommates, you might want to spend every free minute with them. You might even get a little jealous if they have a lot of other friends. It's best to shake off those thoughts quickly. After all, you already live together. You can't spend every minute together there. You also benefit if your roommates know a lot of people and ideally bring them to a nice dorm party at your house.
A point that actually goes without saying: Don't prevent your roommates from making their own decisions and standing on their own two feet. After all, you're not their parents. So it's none of your business if your roommate's party too much and neglect their studies or go on dates halfway through college. Don't snoop on other people's privacy, because you don't want your behavior to be commented on all the time either. Also, don't spread tales about who has and hasn't stayed with your roommates.
We hope that our tips will give you a good start to your new life in the student residence. Even though there is a lot to think about and many difficulties when living together in a dorm, the best thing to do is to look forward to one of the most formative and hopefully happiest times of your life.
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