Like most college students, I’ve had my fair share of interesting roommate experiences -from the hilarious to the dramatic.
Living with people is great and challenging and, admittedly, more affordable. But since I’m doing a graduate program from now until June, my parents and I decided it would be best if I lived on my own for senior year.
I just passed my two-month anniversary of solo living, and I gotta tell you, it’s kind of amazing. It’s also kind of ridiculous. Cases in point:
Amazing: Peeing (or showering, or performing various hair-removal or -maintenance rituals) with the bathroom door open. I can’t even begin to describe how freeing this is. Having lived with 35 other girls my freshman and sophomore years in Rogers House; and having shared one bathroom with two guys last year at Ridge and Davis, I think this one speaks for itself.
Amazing: Walking around in my underwear. Call me crazy, but I didn’t actually realize this was something I enjoyed until I tried it one night right after I moved in – I think I was trying to shower and cook and watch a movie at the same time, and I found that the whole thing was easier (and more fun) if I just didn’t worry about clothing. Note to those who live in front of bus stops: make sure blinds are closed before attempting this one.
Ridiculous: Being wayyyyy neurotic. For quite a while, any bump, creak or phantom voice made me jump out of my skin, because I knew that in a sticky situation, I’d have to whip out some non-existent Lucy Liu moves – no guys (or hordes of girls) to help me. Now that the people who work at Davis Pantry recognize me, and I know some of my neighbors, this one is a little less of a concern. I’ve also accepted that, thanks to the bus stop right outside, the phantom voices are here to stay.
Ridiculous: Becoming such a slob. You might remember how I said in my first column that I went to Paris the week before classes started? Well, until Friday, I still hadn’t unpacked. My suitcase was still sitting next to my front door. And I won’t even tell you how long I wait sometimes to wash dishes. No roommates = no one else’s comfort to consider.
Ridiculous: Being a hermit. Do I love my apartment so much that I never want to leave? Do I somehow forget that other people exist? Am I just more tired than usual? I have no idea, but one thing’s for sure – despite my formerly (at least somewhat) active social life, come Friday night, it’s going to take some serious convincing to get me off my couch.
If you still have roommates, enjoy them while you have the chance. You’ll miss their charms once you’ve headed out on your own; and God knows you’re not going to want them back after you’ve tasted freedom.
Medill senior Anna Maltby can be reached [email protected].
