When a person grows up as an only child or with a large age gap between siblings, many autonomous activities and decisions will be performed and made. Most universities require their first-year students to live on campus, which can be quite a big transition—from never sharing a room to looking at a stranger 24/7 on the other side of your dorm room. When I left my parents’ house to move two hours away, not only had I never been away from home before, but I never shared a room, or anything, since I am an only child. It was a coincidence that my first roommate was also an only child, so there was a lot of adapting on both sides. For perspective, we lived in a dorm room with a bed on each side of the room and a shared bathroom.

All of the exciting things are starting to happen! You have received your admissions letter in the mail. You have accepted your admissions decision and figured out your financial aid. Next up? The daunting task of deciding your living arrangements. First, you have to choose your physical living arrangements. Do you choose a dorm on campus or an off-campus apartment? We are sure you have read all about the benefits of living on campus in a dorm, and not only this, but most colleges require you to live on campus any where from one to two years. There is another issue at hand: how do you pick a roommate?

In this two-part series, Tricia Roy discusses the importance of incorporating biophilia into your campus lifestyle. If you've ever enjoyed a scenic mountain view or a swim at the beach, you have probably experienced the phenomenon known as biophilia. Not only is biophilia a fascinating subject for interdisciplinary study, it just might help you do better in school.

Need some dorm decor inspo? Consider getting a plant or two.

This article will attempt to help reduce the number of items you bring to college, highlighting only the essentials for your dorm room and your college experience.

In this brief guide, readers will learn ways to save money for their dorm room needs.

It's almost inevitable you have a roommate at some point in college. In most cases, college dorms have two students in a room unless they are lucky enough not to have one or the school offers single-bedroom fixtures. Student apartments usually start at two bedrooms, with a maximum of four or five bedrooms. If college apartments offer single bedrooms, prepare to pay a considerable sum. I want to implore you to give your roommate a chance; here’s why.

Some students hit the jackpot and meet their new best friend; others just meet another freshman. In either case, the unspoken rules of being a good roommate are the same. Following those rules can not only help to keep your dorm a great place to rest and recharge but can also prevent roommate conflict before it has a chance to spoil your semester.

In the worst situations, some roommates get into avoidable arguments or altercations. Your dorm or apartment is your home for the time being, and it is important to feel comfortable and safe in your space.

Dorm rooms and on-campus apartments tend to be tight on space. With some creativity, you can still do all the cooking you enjoy right from your dorm room.