I can’t wait to get my own place, my own individual apartment someday. Here are just a few of the reasons why (not inclusive)
No obnoxious late-night noise. I try to be lenient here. I expect that a certain degree of noise, partying, etc. comes with the territory, but certain things drive me off a cliff.
When my roommates have people over way past midnight (especially on a weekday) and they’re all hooting and laughing in the living room, it’s all I can do not to storm out there yelling, “SHUT THE FUCK UP SHUT THE FUCK UP !SHUT! !THE! !FUCK! !UP!”
When one of my roommates shaves with an electric razor past midnight. I wouldn’t mind if it was a quick trim before going out, but this is apparently a full salon-style grooming. I mean, fuck me in the beard with a pickaxe, I thought electric shavers were supposed to be faster than traditional razors! I use an electric myself and I’m finished in under 30 seconds, tops. This guy goes on long enough to fully shear a sheep.
I won’t have to deal with being woken up earlier than I’d like when one of my roommates takes a shower in the morning. The shower is right on the other side of one of the walls in my room and the sound of running water bleeds right through. Plus, I’m kind of a light sleeper.
I won’t have to wonder why this same roommate takes 3+ showers a day a few days a week.
I won’t have to deal with dirty dishes piled so high in the sink that the whole appliance is practically rendered useless.
I’ll have more refrigerator space.
That’s all I’ve got for right now. Granted, it’s just a series of annoyances that have been building over the course of the semester. In the past I’ve better roommate experiences.
You’re supposed to be up past midnight, having friends round!
If it was exam period or something, I’d understand. 'But if you’re just sitting through a lecture, 5ish hours sleep a night can tide you over 'til you have time for a nap.
I do agree with the shower thing though, that would drive me to distraction, but if my old flatmates had friends round at gone midnight I’d be more inclined to go join them than try and sleep.
Why don’t you? Are you not friends with them? Or are you just one of those people that NEEDS their sleep?
Both. I came into this dorm at the beginning of the semester after living elsewhere the previous semester. I engage in polite conversation with all of my roommates, but we’ve never had any friendly comaraderie. Fortunately, I’ve found some friends in this building on another floor. I admit, though, I tend to buckle down and am somewhat antisocial during weekdays/weeknights.
Believe me, in a few years you’ll have the same number of bullet points for why you can’t wait to get out of your own individual apartment and into a house.
College roommates and apartment roommates are a totally different beast. I rent an apartment in Brooklyn with two other professionals, both of which are older than I am. The ONLY complaint I really have is that sometimes when I need to use the bathroom, it’s occupied. It’s mainly an affordability issue - having two roommates means that I can keep my living expenses below $1000 a month…we may end up using more electricity, but when the cost is divided three ways (and when it comes to cable/internet, it’s a fixed rate no matter how many people are using it), it can really make a difference as the months add up.
Honestly, I think it would be a bigger issue if your roommate wasn’t showering ENOUGH.
I’ve never lived in dorms, but have spent time around them with my girlfriend. This has been my experience living on my own:
With roomates: Everyone was very polite. Sometimes a bit messy, but everybody stayed out of each other’s way. Occasionally disturbed at night by a roomate’s television or sex noise.
Current place: Dead silent. I can sleep in and get a solid ten hours if I don’t set my alarm. I never had a huge problem living with roomates, but not having to share (I’m in an in-law apartment) is even better.
And a few months later, you’ll have a list of reasons why it sucks to own a home. I was going to post my own list, but upon reading the OP, you know what? He’s right. Those are really awesome things about living where I do. I used to have to deal with crap like that, and now I don’t. It’s great.
With a heavy beard it can actually take longer.
But as far as “No obnoxious late-night noise” you’ll have that from neighbors even after you get your own place.
This happens every day or two. I see this person in question at least that often and let me tell you - he doesn’t have anything close to resembling a heavy beard within that short of a time frame.
Haha. Good observations, lieu and Chicken Fingers. I haven’t seen any extra wool lying around, so my gut reaction is “no.” Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been surprised, though.
