Me.
Life in a Residential College has been the most fun, interesting experience. When I lived in my previous dorm, State Hall, it was very different than the dorm I live in now- Short/Denney.
In State Hall, I had few social connections. I had a randomly chosen roommate, named Sidnie, and we very quickly became best friends. Everyone on my floor tended to keep to themselves- most doors were often kept closed and everyone was respectful to each other, but also did not socialize much. Girls were kept separated from the guys and could not be in the other’s side of the building without someone escorting them. It was almost a little silly: if a boy was leaving my dorm to go back to his, he could not even walk down the hallway, down the stairs, and to the door leading outside without me with him. Honestly, I did not like it. It gave a very childish and tense atmosphere. Needless to say, after my roommate moved back home and I felt a serious need for change, I decided to switch dorms.
I was now starting my life in Short/Denney. I had friends instantly. When I moved in, I kept my door open and random people would just walk in to say hello. Each night after I moved in- at this time I did not have a roommate- I would have large groups of people from my floor in my room just to hang out. Almost everyone on my floor casually kept their doors open as a sign of welcome and, soon, we all became close friends. Short/Denney is also much more relaxed, you have a roommate and suitemates of the same sex (of course), but your next door neighbors had the potential to be male or female. I liked this setting much better—I was happy to finally find the right dorm for me!
I’m positive that social connections are so important for your college experience. When in Residential Colleges, you find connections everywhere! I have loved the Residential College life, with easy access to everything on campus and so many in-dorm benefits. I must say, I am sad to be moving out of the Residential College this year, it is a wonderful experience that I am so happy I had and will be greatly missed.
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