Most people assume dorms are for freshman students and/or new transfer students. However, I personally feel living in the dorms could still provide benefits and a positive experience for anyone. An immediate benefit to living in the dorms is that you don’t have to sign a long and complex lease that apartments and houses require.  If I were to meet a few people and move out later on, I could do so with ease. Also, living in the dorms canceled out any notion to rush out and purchase furniture.

However, the dorm life experience is subjective, since dorms vary from resembling apartment complexes, much like my residence hall Freedom’s Landing, to resembling a motel room you could find in the slums of Atlanta. In the special case of Freedom’s Landing, the buildings are much like an apartment complex, since they provide a laundry room, kitchen, and living room per residence, not to mention individual rooms and bathrooms per roommate. Freedom’s Landing is also surrounded by a volleyball court, a basketball court, a pool, and a clubhouse with a gym. I personally enjoy living here because of these things, but not all dorms provide these luxuries.

So if you want to enjoy dorm life as an upperclassman, or as anyone, you have to choose wisely. I also can’t deny the social benefits of living in the dorms. The dorms provide a community around you of students in your age range and mindset. Finding acquaintances isn’t too difficult, especially since there are other upperclassmen who stay in the dorms as well. Just like anywhere else, you will find students who want to party all night, and other students who like to relax and focus on their studies and hobbies. It’s up to you to find the balance that fits you.

Ultimately, it comes down to this: What are your personal reasons for wanting to live in the dorms? To meet new people? To be conveniently and closely located to your classes? To avoid the hassles of renting an apartment or house? Like I mentioned before, it’s all subjective. Some schools have upperclassmen dorms or on-campus housing for upperclassmen. If you’re truly interested, look into those options, and know the financial costs, as well as the benefits and risks of the surrounding environment.

Your dorm experience is only as good as you decide to make it.