How to adjust to (and get through) sharing dorm bathrooms
June 1, 2012
We've all been sharing bathrooms for most our lives, but you've probably not shared them like this. Dorm life offers a number of challenges - how to eat well, how to get along with your roommate, how to drop Micro Economics 101 - but few are as potentially terrifying as dorm bathrooms. Especially co-ed dorm bathrooms.
Not all colleges have co-ed dorms, and a good number don't have co-ed floors, but more and more often guys and girls are sharing personal space. Before you start to worry and squirm, take a deep breath and relax. Of all the tips for college you're likely to receive, tips for using dorm bathrooms are the easiest to follow.
1. Don't worry if your floor's co-ed. Some co-ed floors have gender-specific bathrooms, some don't. If your floor doesn't, get used to the idea that the opposite gender may pass by to the toilet stall while you're behind the shower curtain - and keep in mind that he or she is probably just as uncomfortable as you are. Given time, you'll all be as used to one another as family. Look forward to new brothers and sisters.
2. Always be courteous. Even if you're settled in with the bunch from Animal House, be considerate. Don't use other people's towels, soap, razors, lotion, deodorant or - especially - toothbrushes. Don't take half-hour showers when there's a line, clean up your own messes and be nice to the cleaning service crew, should you be so lucky to have one.
3. Do your part to clean up. Regarding the cleaning crew, the school only pays them to come by so often. Do your part to keep the bathroom clean by bagging and taking out overflowing trash, cleaning out drains after your shower, wiping toothpaste and makeup out of the sink after application and alerting the R.A. (or donning the rubber gloves yourself) when someone's made a vomitous mess.
4. Wear flip-flops. It's gross, but true. Wear flip-flops for every otherwise barefoot trip into the bathroom and shower. You'll save yourself any potential grief down the line.
There are a few things you can do to simplify your college experience: Finish all your homework, apply for a scholarship, and be a courteous and calm using of dormitory bathrooms. Because on winter mornings, there's nothing to be more thankful for than running hot water.
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