Dorm room living can be a huge adjustment for many students.
Moving away from home and into a place where you share the bathroom and kitchen with 20 strangers is intimidating, to say the least.
Not only do you have to clean up after yourself, you also have to share a roof with someone else.
But you might surprise yourself with how easy it can be to turn dorm living into a home away from home with a few ice-breaking activities.
First off, the most inexpensive and basic way to bond with your floor is through television. I can almost guarantee that others also enjoy the shows you love to watch.
Talk with your roommate to discover a common program, and host a get-together in your room for anyone who wants to watch with you. Print out flyers, and post them in the common area or kitchen to advertise.
This can even become a weekly event, or you can expand it to other TV shows and programs to get the most people involved.
Second, try to incorporate food into any mixer or activity you're trying to throw.
Potlucks are great ways to bring people together and can either stand by themselves or be incorporated into another activity.
For example, host a movie night potluck and suggest everyone bring a favorite movie snack.
Mealtimes can be difficult for students who are away from home for the first time or don't know anyone to eat with in the dining halls.
Having everyone on your floor bring one dish to a meal is an inexpensive way to make the dorm feel more like home. Not to mention the nice change of pace from fast food. You can also bond with a buddy who can't cook. Who knows what two clueless chefs can concoct.
Another common thread is exercise. Whether it is a sport, jogging or going to the gym, if you look, there are always people interested in joining you. No matter what level of activity you feel you're at, joining a group will definitely make it more enjoyable.
Using exercise as a bonding device doesn't just have to apply to daily fitness. Getting a group together to go down to the Yulee Pit for a game of ultimate Frisbee or a battle-of-the-sexes soccer game on Flavet Field are great ways to get a bunch of people together for a good time.
There are hundreds of ways to make friends with the people on your floor. The key thing to remember is everyone is going through the same transition.
Your first year can be tough, but you can make it great with a little effort.
