Five Rules that will make your dorm experience fantastic

As I type this article up, thousands of students will be moving into dorms across Canada for the first time. All these students bring with them the hope that this new year will be filled with adventures, friends and maybe a little bit of serious work. But they also bring with them a type of innocent ignorance (which can lead to serious trouble). Here are a couple of unofficial dorm rules for any new student who wishes to avoid sticky situations in their first year of University.

5. AVOID Floorcest. Floorcest (and Dormcest) is when a number of students on the same floor (or within the same dorm) start to hook up' with each other. This creates a kind of link between a number of boys and girls. What ensues is utter chaos, jealousy, tears, fighting, break downs and cat fights. Not only does floorcest create unwanted drama but it can also spread unwanted STIs (yuck!)

4. Don't be a Fool. Gossip is widespread within a dorm. If you do something extremely stupid then word will probably get around. I know that many students want to have fun but don't want to create a bad image of themselves because of a couple of childish stunts. If you want to do something crazy then do it outside the dorm and in front of people that will most likely never see you again.

3. Secret Code. Sex is common in a dorm. You or your roommate will probably bring a boy back to the room at least once during the year. Not only should you establish a secret code (so you don't walk in on your roommate with her boy de jour) but you should also have a backup couch (or bed) that will be available when your bed is not an option.

2. Be a Suck up. Every floor has people within the dorm that monitor the activities of the students on specific floors. If you befriend that person, then maybe she/he will turn the other way if you are doing something a little unorthodox (keg party?!) Just remember that these people can also make your life a living hell, so don't get on their bad side!

1. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. It's so important that you always respect every single person in your dorm. Instead of blasting the music when your roommate is trying to study, use earphones. Clean up after yourself in your room and in the communal spaces. Don't start gossip or even repeat it! In the end, if you disrespect your fellow dorm mates, you might get alienated from the group. Don't ruin your first year. Be respectful and kind to every single person and hopefully they'll treat you with the same kind of respect.

Yvonne Ivanescu
		About the author:
		A self-proclaimed travel fanatic, Yvonne has had the opportunity to travel to many amazing and exotic countries over the years. Her favorite spot overall was her unforgettable trip to Egypt. Her journey to Paris was particularly special, as it was the Journalism School at Sciences Po that reignited her passion for writing and journalism. Since returning from France, Yvonne has interned at Vervegirl Magazine and MTV Canada while freelancing for a number of other publications. She has an Honors B.Soc.Sc in International Studies with a minor in Spanish and French and is currently pursuing her Masters in International Development and Globalization with a Specialization in Women's Studies.
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