Things to remember when you're living in a dorm

When college arrives or when you have to move away from home for work, you might get to experience living in a dorm.

It might be difficult to adjust for the first few weeks, which is why we’ve listed some of the things that you should remember when living with other people -- whether it’d be dealing with roommates and housemates, keeping lots of rules in mind, and deciding what to eat tonight or tomorrow.

1. Don’t forget your keys. Ever.

2. Don’t look at your roommates in the eyes. Haha! Just don’t make them feel uncomfortable. Don’t be creepy!

3. Follow the rules and regulations of the dorm, no matter how useless they may seem sometimes! You wouldn't want to get penalized or pay additional charges. 

4. Make sure your personal stuff are kept in a safe space. Be organized! Sometimes, not being organized can cause a lot of troubles like missing stuff and blaming others who aren't even at fault.

5. Don’t leave your bed or your room untidy. Even though you know or don't know these people, your space is still a reflection of your being.

6. Don’t leave appliances or chargers or gadgets plugged in. You're putting others in danger, no matter how harmless you think this is.

7. Flush the toilet! Clean the shower stall before you leave.

8. Throw away your trash. Don’t leave it for a moment and say you’ll throw it later. Throw it now!

9. Although it would be nice to make friends, you’re not required to befriend everyone. Just be civil and respect your roommates and housemates. Age, gender preferences, social status, and interests do not matter because you are paying the same amount. Nobody is more privileged than the other. You are all equals there. 

10. Prepare stock food. Sometimes you won't have time to go out and look for food so it's best to be prepared.

11. Consider other people’s schedules and habits. Don’t turn on all the lights when you know they’re sleeping. Don’t just turn off the lights when you know they need it. Be considerate. You don't want to develop a nemesis around especially now that an evil plan can easily be plotted and executed! (Cue the horror of finding a reported missing golden pendant under your pillow!)

12. Have enough toilet paper, sanitary napkins, soap, and other personal stuff! Make sure you don’t run out.

13. Use your own gear. If you need to borrow some stuff, be polite and ask permission first.

14. As much as possible, avoid touching other people’s stuff, especially if you’ve never even talked to them before. Also, don't lie down on other people's beds unless they gave you permission to do so.

15. Know what's in your leasing contract and exercise your rights if you have to. Having legal knowledge about renting a bed or a place can protect you from an abusive lessor - like those asking for an additional payments or the mind-twisting effort of getting back your advance or deposit.

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Living in a dorm is a big change because it is a first step to be totally 'independent' - washing clothes, buying toiletries, and other essentials. It also teaches us a thing or two about budgeting and balancing priorities. 

Based from our experiences, a dorm is where you’ll meet some of the friends you’ll want to keep forever.It could be scary at first, but once you get used to that certain "freedom", you’ll realize it’s actually fun. And you’ll learn a lot from the people you'll live with.

Got other tips and reminders you can share? Let us know in the comments below!