Your residence hall neighbors are some of the first people you’ll meet in college. You don’t have to be best friends, but you will be living with them for a year, so here are some tips to start you on the right foot.
Weird Al Yankovic may be your hero, but most of your floormates won’t want to hear “Another One Rides the Bus” blaring through the hallway. You don’t have to give up your beloved Backstreet Boys collection, but don’t expect everyone else to jam with you. And remember—you could be listening to the world’s greatest band, but if the people in the next wing can hear it, you might find yourself the victim of the next floor prank.
Speaking of pranks, there are a few unspoken guidelines you might want to follow. You’ll get some laughs out of hanging a Teletubbies poster in your RA’s room, but don’t let it get too out of control. If a prank causes someone to miss a class or even worse, a test, you’ll have more to worry about than when they’re going to get you back.
Insider’s tip: Get to know your neighbors before you short-sheet anyone’s bed. Some people can take a joke and some can’t.
The snooze button may be your best friend, but don’t forget about the off switch. If your alarm goes off when you’re in class, you may find your message board adorned with not-so-friendly notes when you get back.
Insider’s tip: Turn off the alarm when you go home for the weekend. Two full days of “beep beep beep” behind your locked door will drive your neighbors crazy.
Partying is a natural part of college life, but be considerate of your neighbors. If you come home at 3 a.m., don’t parade around the hall knocking on everyone’s doors. You can tell them about that hottie you met last night in the morning.
There’s not enough mountain berry air freshener in the world to cover up the smell of burnt popcorn. Keep an eye on your kernels, or you’ll forever be branded as “that kid who burned the popcorn.”
