Choosing (and loving) Your Freshman Dorm

Guest blogger: Laura Manning

Your freshman dorm is one of the first major choices you make as an incoming student at Tulane, and arguably one of the most important. The options seem nearly endless, with six freshmen housing options and countless different combinations within those six buildings. Here are some general tips that I wish someone had told me before making my freshman commitment!

1. Don’t rely on pictures from the housing website. I spent hours and hours agonizing over the handful of images of each dorm, and looking at their floor plans. Totally not worth it! Many of those pictures are outdated, and fail to take into account your personal style, which will make any dorm room seem more “homey” than stock photos of boring staples.
2. Don’t go random. Luckily I found a wonderful roommate on Facebook and ended up having a great year living with her in Sharp. Many of my friends were not quite as lucky. Tulane offers many services to help you match up with someone based on living preferences. Use them.
3. Know that the decision doesn’t have to be permanent. Sometimes students just aren’t meant to live together, and that’s okay. Housing understands, and will work to help you find a situation that you’re comfortable with. Knowing that back up exists in case things go wrong is so relieving. 
4. Buy a mattress “topper”. Trust me. There is only so much comfort that can be achieved from a twin mattress without box springs. Investing in a mattress topper is a purchase you won’t regret… and can use again in your sophomore year dorm. Many students opt for egg crate foam or down filled additions.

5. Keep an open mind. Your dorm will ultimately be what you make of it. Bring comforting items from home, picture frames, favorite blankets, and whatever else it takes to make you feel relaxed in a new space. No dorm will look perfect when you open that door for the first time, but with a few welcoming touches, it will quickly become a place that you can truly call “home”.

The dorms offer a wide variety of spaces designed for pretty much any personality. Whether you choose the traditional route of Monroe, Sharp, or Butler, or opt for a women-only experience in JL, joining a Residential College in Wall, or a wellness community in Paterson, there will be myriad options for you to deliberate between. Each dorm has its own individual personality, and it is ultimately up to you to embrace the lifestyle you will adopt while living there!