University Guide for Dormitory Etiquette

If you are about to share a space with another university student, there are certain things that you have to consider. Sharing a room with a stranger is apparently more different, even if you are used to being with your siblings back home. While it is fun to live in a dormitory considering the new and unique experiences, it’s also a taste of being a real adult. And this means being more responsible and mature. 

In this post, we will share a few common dormitory practices. This is far from being rocket science, we understand. Nevertheless, we feel the need to reiterate these as some university students tend to forget it. 

Have an Occular Inspection and Check the General Dormitory Guidelines 

Before moving in or settling the downpayment, you must visit the dormitory. Ask as many questions regarding the rules and regulations. That way, you will understand what you are about to get yourself into. We have a separate article that can guide you when looking for the right dormitory. Feel free to check it out. 

But in a nutshell, we suggest going around the vicinity, checking the layout of each room, and feeling the entire ambiance. Be objective and assess if it will be a good fit for your needs.

Only Bring the Essentials  

Sometimes we want to bring a lot of things to our dormitory, so we don’t get homesick. However, bear in mind that most dormitory rooms have limited spaces. You cannot bring your entire closet or have a ginormous TV screen. Stick with the basics. After all, it is only your temporary home and you will have to take everything out once you graduate. 

Build Positive Relationships With Your Roommate 

Having a good relationship with a roommate is always a must. This is not to say that you have to best friends or you need to be clingy. But showing common courtesy can go a long way. Respect their space and try to engage them in small talks at first. If you are going out to watch movies, then perhaps invite them over. 

Establish Guidelines Within Your Room

Apart from the rules and regulations imposed by the property management, you and your roommate should also have your own rules inside the room. You can have a schedule about who’s going to take out the trash, or perhaps set visitation hours. Have the initiative and get their concurrence. If they want to add more or change it a bit, respect that as well.   

Avoid Major Renovations 

This might seem pretty obvious, but some students are still fond of doing extreme dorm makeovers. While it is exciting and it makes your stay worthwhile, you also have to go back to the main guidelines. Are you allowed to drill holes on your walls? Can you paint your walls? Are you even allowed to move the furniture inside? 

The danger of not reviewing your dorm’s handbook is that you might be paying for damages, which isn’t cheap most of the time. 

Do Not Touch What is Not Yours

Even if you become close with your dormmates or roommates, this doesn’t give you the license to touch their things. This includes their phones or toiletries, among many others. Always ask permission if you need to borrow their stuff. Do not assume that because you are already friends, what’s theirs is yours. Otherwise, it could cause a major rift.

This also applies to your beds. Most people are particular about it, and they don’t want others to use their beds without their permission. So if you have friends coming over, make sure to just use your space and not your dormmates. This takes us to our next point.   

Inform Each Other if You Will Have Visitors

Always inform your roommate if you are expecting visitors. Tell them in advance as well. A few minutes before your friends’ arrival isn’t what we have in mind. It’s best if you tell your roomie a day or night before. Perhaps they need to study and would rather not have other people around. At least you can change your plans right away. 

Ensure the Least Possible Noise   

If you can blast your volume back at home and listen to your favorite jams, things are far more different in a dormitory. Generally, most students value their peace. After all, everyone needs to have a good rest after an exhausting exam or a term paper.   

Resolve Conflict Right Away 

And lastly, we acknowledge that conflicts may arise for people living under the same roof. But if this happens, do not prolong your agony. Instead, resolve the dispute as soon as you can. And no, we do not mean catfights or fistfights. Talk about it and work on your differences like true-blue adults.