For current college students, alumni or anyone familiar with campus life, dorm life often comes with memorable stories—either the best days of college or total horror. As the semester nears its final stretch, Rockhurst University freshmen reflect on their adjustment to dorm life, from the excitement of independence to the challenges of shared spaces.
According to Corcoran Hall resident Bailey Marquis, although it is a change from what she is used to, it has been a manageable, fun experience so far.
“It’s not hard to adjust to. It’s like having my own little apartment,” said Marquis.
She likes living on campus because it is easy to commute to classes, especially if she accidentally oversleeps. Her biggest obstacle has been trying to not procrastinate on homework. It can pile up very fast, but she has been working to stay on task and hold herself accountable. Using her dorm room as a private study space has helped with this.
Some on-campus living tips from Marquis include having lots of storage, not overpacking and decorating the room to make it feel cozier.
McGee Hall resident Elena Hoffman is also enjoying the adjustment to dorm life. The only main change she has had to get used to is the communal bathroom and shower aspect – something that is dreaded by most freshmen.
“My main piece of advice for living on campus is to have a good robe. The rooms are super cold, and to walk from your shower to your room, you will need to have something other than your towel,” said Hoffman.
Cocoran Hall resident Makenzie Bremer appreciates the sense of independence living in the dorms has provided. She specifically likes living in Corcoran because she feels like the rooms look bigger and the bathrooms are nicer. She admits living in the dorms is different from living at home, but she is liking the change so far.
As a member of the dance team at Rockhurst, something she has had to navigate is getting ready for 6 a.m. morning practice while not waking her roommate up. A tip Bremer is to make sure to have the room key on hand at all times to avoid getting locked out.
Sophy Orsi lives in Corcoran Hall and shared that although it is different living in a shared space because she and her roommate have similar schedules and get along well, it has been an easier adjustment. She also likes being near the sand volleyball courts and thinks hanging out in the basement is fun.
“I love living on campus,” said Orsi. “I like getting to be close to all my friends so we can hang out all the time. It’s also super convenient being close to all of the buildings.”
The only main shock of living in a dorm for her has been showering. She explained that it is a big difference having to carry a shower caddy, wear shower shoes and be in a shared space, but she has gotten used to it quickly and does not think it is as bad as it initially was.
Orsi’s top dorm hacks include getting a vacuum, having something to store food in and bringing alternate lighting so that the room can be a nicer, cleaner and more organized space.
In the end, dorm life is what residents make of it. Whether settling into Corcoran or McGee, a freshman or just preparing to move in, dorm living does not have to be a nightmare. With a few tips and a positive outlook, students can make the most of the experience — and maybe even have some fun along the way.
