This week I moved into Grand Canyon University and began my time as a college Freshman. Moving in was really stressful, emotionally draining, and exciting all at once. I had two emotional breakdowns during move-in day, but am acclimating fairly well to life on campus. My classes begin Monday, and I am excited to begin the pursuit of being a Theatre Educator.
My roommates are absolutely wonderful, and I enjoy hanging out with them a lot. We have so many laughs together, and being with them is so fun. I have not attended very many of the Welcome Week events, just because they did not interest me, but me and my roommate have at least stopped in and stayed for a few minutes at each event.
Our dorm room door stays open most of the time so anyone walking by can stop in and say hello, as we would like to meet new people and make everyone feel welcomed.
I have also had the opportunity to spend time with my lovely boyfriend, which I was not expecting to be able to do until I got more settled, which was a pleasant surprise. Tonight I am going to a birthday party for a girl we play volleyball with, and she actually invited me.
Another thing before I get to the bulk of this post, is a change I have made very recently. I decided that I would take out my lip rings for move-in day so I could make a good first physical impression, and then I decided to just leave them out permanently after I persuaded my boyfriend into telling me what he thought about me without them (he likes it without them, but was quick to say that he thought I was beautiful no matter what). I no longer feel the need to have them in, and feel just as confident without them. I am in a really good place in my life right now, and am the happiest I have ever been (even before I started dating my boyfriend). I am truly confident and happy and according to my parents it radiates from my body and face and smile.
So, here are a few tips for anyone moving into a dorm for the first time.
1. You are going to need more, and less, than you think. You may think you need tons and tons of storage bins, but realize that you don't have very many places to put the bins. You also don't need as many perfume options as you think, but lotion is always good to have backups of!
2. CHAPSTICK. You may think you don't need backups of your backups, but not only will you use the CRAP out of it, you will lose at least 4 tubes while you move in.
3. You're probably going to need 2 trash cans, because you will fill up one trash can and be too lazy to actually empty it.
4. Bring an internet cable so you can hardwire into the network. It increases your download speeds and Netflix doesn't stop and load in the middle of a Gossip Girl or Criminal Minds episode.
5. Let your parents help you decorate and put things away; even if you end up rearranging and undoing all that they did. They are going to feel like they are losing you, and this little bit of controlling helps them move on, believe it or not. Also, they are going to call and text you a lot once you first move out. Call them back, send them emails, text them how your day is going. I promise the messages will slow down, but for now they are trying to cope with you being gone. HELP THEM!
6. You will need more Christmas lights and lamps than you think. In our dorm, we have one hospital light to illuminate our entire room, which means harsh lighted middles and dark corners. Hanging up strings of Christmas lights or bringing a lamp or two will really help brighten things up.
7. You are going to need more power strips than you think. We have 4 in our room alone, not to mention our bathroom, and living area. And 3 of the 4 power strips are all full.
8. You will thank yourself for buying a separate fridge and freezer. Yes, they take up more room, but our tiny mini fridge with an even tinier freezer on top hold a Brita filter, a starbucks cup, one take out box, and maybe a water bottle, while the freezer holds a couple Ben and Jerry's, and some ice cube trays. Splurge and buy separate fridge and freezers. You'll thank yourself when you don't have to use your Tetris skills to fit your leftover Chili's food in your fridge.
9. Bring poster boards. My roommates and I have made several trips to target, and one was to get poster board to decorate our room.
10. Bring toilet paper. You have no idea how fast you go through this until you have to buy it yourself.
11. AIR FRESHNERS.
12. Always remember to use a courtesy flush, and a courtesy air freshener spritz after doing your business. Your roommates will thank you.
13. Leave your door open when you are just hanging out so you have the opportunity to meet new people. It's college, which is a time to meet new people, and what better way to do that than to leave your door open and say hi to anyone who walks by! No one will think you're weird, everyone thinks my roommates and I are super friendly and several people stop by to say hello everyday.
14. Bring a car on campus, if you have the opportunity to. It's a life saver when you run out of tampons in the middle of the week and your roommates are all busy with homework.
15. Take the stairs. This not only combats the freshman 15, but is better for your health. I live on the sixth floor of our building, and take the stairs nearly every time, unless my arms are full of stuff, just to stay healthy and lose a few calories.
16. Walk to class, if you have the time. This is another way to stay healthy and active. Yes, biking and skateboarding are faster and are active, but walking is more relaxing, and works more muscles in your body.
17. Bring some kind of rolling bin or trolley to help during move-in day. This was seriously a life saver for me.
18. Always have spare cash on hand to buy food, or pay your roommates for a drive to the store.
19. Check out the area surrounding your school for restaurants, shopping centers, parks, and gas stations.
20. Finally, have fun! College isn't for forever, so enjoy it while it lasts!
I know I am just barely starting, but these things have already become glaringly obvious to me.
Until next time,
Thanks for putting up with me.
Jaina Michelle
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