1:32 am - THUD! THUD! - The sound of hurried footsteps echoes through the dimly-lit corridor. Accompanying the footfall is the peal of laughter and innocent chatter. All whilst the pulsating beats of loud music bounce off the walls, blending in with the other noises. The clash of sounds, once dreadful, is now a euphonious melody reverberating through the otherwise unlively halls. This is res life.
Two months in, the emotions that once coursed through our veins at the thought of moving out and living alone have settled now. Prior to moving in, everyone had their preferences. Yet, for better or for worse, whether you live in a traditional, hybrid, or suite style, you have adapted. This life is our new normal. However, have you ever wondered how different life will be once you move out next year? The harsh reality is that in first year, most people are unaware of the immense privileges they possess. To better understand this jarring reality, let's take a look at life in residence first year versus life off-campus second year.
In first year, no matter which side of campus you live on and regardless of how far it may be from specific places, you are still ON campus! We often forget about how fortunate we are to have classes, libraries, the gym, convenience stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and so on all within walking distance. Slowly but surely, we have created a safe haven around us, a community. This sense of security we feel stems from familiarity. The sweet “good morning” from the front desk clerk as you walk to class every morning. The comforting waves of hello from friendly faces in the halls, lounges, and cafeteria. A simple few steps and a knock, and you are suddenly hanging out with friends. Together, these interactions all contribute to fulfill our social needs creating a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Furthermore, within the chaotic nature of living in residence, we often get caught up in our studies or social outings, forgetting that food is our body’s fuel. Fortunately, we have a cafeteria that ensures we are fed. As much as we complain about the food, you must admit it is convenient to have food ready for you when you’re in a rush or after countless hours of studying. Besides, bonds are often created through shared distasteful experiences. Overall, living in residence comes with a lot of perks and lots of firsts, specifically, a newfound sense of freedom, and checks down your bucket lists. Every moment, the good and bad, is vital to fulfill the true university experience.
Oddly enough, university on average is a four-year tenure, not one. This means there will come a time when you are not a frosh anymore, but instead taking your first steps into true adulthood. After conversing with a few upper years, there seems to be a general shared consensus on the vast difference in living lifestyles between first and second year. In an instant, the sense of chaos is gone. The world around you decrease significantly in size. The silence becomes deafening, and you find yourself yearning for the once distant sounds of running, music, banter, and laughter throughout the day. The constant plea for privacy that you had as a teenager finally becomes a reality, but is it what you actually expected? Let’s delve into life off-campus starting second year.
Firstly, the commute to classes will become much longer for the vast majority of people; the days of waking up 15 minutes before a class are long gone. Additionally, there is the newfound burden of feeding yourself and ensuring you are getting a nutritious meal. In terms of socializing, friends have gone from a few doors down to a few bus rides away, and in these moments, we are stricken by the fact that we took residence life for granted. However, as opposed to viewing this in a negative light, it can be seen as an opportunity to learn how to better manage your time and establish a balanced routine.
Now, it is irrefutable that any transition comes with a lot of change to adjust to, but perhaps this one brings with it the greatest challenge of all -- coming to terms with one's own solitude. The hard truth is that the “university experience” is more than study dates and parties: it is the gateway into adulthood, the first taste into the real world. As a society, we frown upon the idea of being alone or being “lonely”, without realizing the necessity of it. In a fast-paced world, it is important to ground ourselves in order to develop a sense of self and autonomy, eventually, allowing creativity and independence to bloom. As scary as it may seem, there is beauty in solitude, just like every stage of the journey towards becoming fully functioning adults. Living off-campus allows us to find comfort within our solitude.
This monumental transition amidst our journey leading up to and throughout university is a hidden treasure. We start off residing within the comfort of our parents’ homes to the mayhem of residence, to the quiet cozy homes off campus. Through these changes, we are continuously adapting, and within this journey lies the invaluable essence of growth and self-discovery.