what they don't tell you about living in a single dorm

[@chemicalime]

im not even in college yet but god i would hate having a room mate. i personally find extreme comfort in privacy. kudos to those with room mates

[@laceslifeYT]

Roommates are definitely a real challenge, especially in traditional dorms. I find its not as bad when you have more of an apartment/suite style, where you share a common room but have your own bedroom. But it can easily be ruined by a bad matchup so there's pros and cons with everything!

[@crookkun1123]

@@laceslifeYT yeah I completely agree, we have that except apartment style setup and my roommate was horrible. He would yell at me, threaten me, have sex on the couch (cheating on his girlfriend), and blaming me for every mess…..every time he texted I would be sent into a fit of fear for “what happened now.” Hopefully my next roommate is nice. What a great way to introduce dorm living right? 💀😂

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

It's not that bad. I had a roommate, we got along well. She watched tv a lot, I spent large amounts of time in the Library Media Room studying!

[@godslove7928]

@@jackilynpyzocha662 Everyone experiences is different. Personally it's best to have your privacy

[@mikesmith3873]

@@crookkun1123it’s been a year, are you doing better and did you get away from roommate from hell?

[@novelle.27]

Finding out that I’m getting a single my freshman year felt like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. I no longer have to worry about people messing with my stuff, leaving the door unlocked, eating in the room, etc. etc. My room will actually be a safe space for peace and quiet that is completely under my own control.

[@laceslifeYT]

Thats awesome you're getting a single your first year! I definitely think that makes the transition much easier! Good luck :)

[@yourfatherinlaw5279]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me how you did it. please. I'm so anxious going into college and I do NOT WANT a roommate. PLEASE !!!

[@novelle.27]

@@yourfatherinlaw5279At my school at least, if you have really bad social anxiety, you might be able to get a medical single - that’s what my friend did. I didn’t do anything like that though. My housing form for freshman year had me write down in priority order a list of the kinds of rooms I wanted, so I ended up putting single -> triple -> double - though I feel like most people would put single first, and I just lucked out by actually getting one. Every year after freshman year at my school you get to choose your housing from a huge list, so it was easy to get a single then (though the order of who gets to pick is determined by number of credits and GPA, so I was also lucky in that case because I had a lot of credits).

[@artsysundae]

​@yourfatherinlaw5279 sorry this may be late! i would search up how it works at your college since it might depend on the school :) at my school, after applying and gettng accepted, they will tell you when the housing contract opens. in this contract you can choose your room type preferences. if you apply for a single room, you are put on a waitlist. the earlier you complete the housing contract, the more likely you'll be to get a single room. i would just frequently check your email for updates and deadlines, and info on how it works. and complete housing applications asap :)

[@novelle.27]

@@yourfatherinlaw5279 I remember typing a reply to this 6 months ago but forgot to post it, because I was mulling over whether I was giving unethical advice (it probably isn’t though) - but basically, if you have a mental health condition you may be able to get a medical single! I haven’t used one myself, but when I registered for disability accommodations (mostly autism but I was able to document my anxiety as well), they told me that I could fill out a special form for a single if I wanted one. So if you have anxiety of some sort, I’d definitely consider talking to the disability office; you might be surprised what they accommodate. I chalk up me getting a single to luck though.

[@Hollywood1127]

Never stayed on campus, but would have went the single dorm route if I had to. I never get lonely, because I like having my own stuff and being able to live clean.

[@laceslifeYT]

Nothing wrong with that! Housing is definitely one of the most important parts of college. You definitely have to find people you really trust and are compatible with to share a space together

[@vanessab.6682]

Different people, different experiences. I had a roommate, but she was hardly ever there. Every single night she would tell me that she was gonna spend the night at her boyfriend's house. Sadly for her, they broke up 2 weeks before the end of the semester, and she was finally my roommate the last 2 weeks of the semester. We both liked sleeping early so it went pretty smoothly for both of us.

[@laceslifeYT]

Definitely different for everybody! My old roommate and I had a falling out, but I am satisfied with where I am at right now friend and housing wise, so I am just going with the flow now

[@NoelleCompy]

From my experience living in a single at Allegheny it can also be much harder to remember to do things like eat food. When I had a roommate I would usually get dragged out to Kinz or Brooks but now being in a single I find myself not eating some days because of focus on work and poor sense of time. It doesn't help that my single is at Allegheny Commons all the way up the hill and behind everything making the campus center a 7 minute walk...

[@laceslifeYT]

I never thought about it that way but I definitely agree. There’s been days where I don’t even go past the bathrooms in my dorm and before I realize it, both Brooks and Kins are closed… I can imagine it’s harder up at the Commons too. Hopefully the kitchens there can help you out a little? Thank you for watching and commenting :)

[@NoelleCompy]

@@laceslifeYT the kitchens up there make it much easier to cook your own food that's for sure. Although finding money to get your own food can be difficult. I find myself eating a lot of ramen.

[@omarroldan2526]

my school is blessed as they charge the same for singles and doubles. i do imagine that this is because singles are going to be smaller. i am going to be a freshman next year and was lucky enough to get one of the singles. kind of happy about it.

[@laceslifeYT]

Oh thats great! Typically the single dorms are smaller, but nothing is guaranteed! I had a dorm the size of a double, since the room across from me was the exact same and had two people living in it. The price difference between a traditional double and single is at least a few hundred dollars here. I'd say you got a good deal

[@Ava-h00]

​@lace's life is there any tips for getting a "dingle" The housing application doesn't really let you request a certain type of room within a single

[@hotram1]

You should have mentioned if you apply and are selected to be the hall Resident Advisor or Dorm Resident Director your room doesn't cost anything. Provided the Residence Life program still uses the RA and RD. Great way to save money and it's an easy gig.

[@laceslifeYT]

Yes thank you! I think this depends on the school but they may also cover your meal plan as well

[@taronrose8896]

Do you have to be a 2nd-4th year or can you do it as a freshman?

[@laceslifeYT]

@@taronrose8896 I would say typically sophomore-seniors become RAs, but I think its possible to RA after your first semester at a school. That way you get used to living on campus and learn the culture and such. It most likely depends on the school though!

[@lilacamaris518]

@@taronrose8896 I think it depends on the school. One of my friends that I’m about to start college with applied to be an RA and I believe he was actually selected and he’s a freshman, but I don’t know how it is at different schools

[@georginacat7667]

​@@lilacamaris518that's mad, how can they advise if they haven't been a student?

[@caspergotlost]

This is super helpful. None of the downfalls you mentioned would bother me, and if I had a roommate, I'd probably have to get one of those over the bed tents and have a system set up to not be disturbed when trying to cope with autistic overstimulation, so it would definitely be worth it to me

[@mavohq]

that over the bed tent idea is something to think about for me lol. i thought it would be a good idea to room with my adhd friend but i’m autistic and our sensory needs don’t match up at all as she’s apparently unable to redirect her vocal stimming even after i’ve talked to her about it (im typing this from the hallway in the middle of the night after having to run out of the room because of her). take it from me, don’t live with a roommate.

[@novelle.27]

Have you registered or considered registering your disability with the Disability Office at your school? You might be able to justify getting a medical single with your sensory issues.

[@caspergotlost]

@@novelle.27 I'm going to - I have an autism diagnosis so I'm going to apply for accommodations asap. Also, thanks for making me come back so I saw my comment got hearted!

[@spaghetticat110]

They gave us a specific time to log in and choose our rooms, they gave me the second day to choose from, late in the day. By the time I logged in they only had doubles. The cheapest one is like the size of my room. Now I have to live with some stranger for a year, in a space roughly the size of my room, after having my own room for pretty much ever

[@Zele6837]

Currently in a single suite, you still may have to share a bathroom. As a single, some schools may not allow you to use the other set of furniture without buying the double out.

[@jessicaemosa6103]

WHAT?! What is the point of having the suite if you still have to share a bathroom? Is it like the entire resident bathroom or just like two rooms share a bathroom?

[@Zele6837]

2 rooms share a bathroom in my experience. “Bathroom” refers to toilet, standing shower, and maybe sinks (had some in bathroom, some out)

[@maeuschen22]

Howbwould they stop you using the other set of furniture?

[@Zele6837]

I think it would be added to your bill (Not sure because I followed the rules)

[@CKM-gf3ik]

It's great to give people this perspective, there really is a big difference between the two. My favorite time in the dorms was my sophomore/junior year. I lived in a "super single suite", basically a four person room with each of us having our own little bedroom room conjoined with a large common room and bathroom. I got to have my own space and privacy while still feeling connected to my roommates, visitors, little parties, etc. I ended up homesteading with these same three guys in that setup for the next three semesters and then the four of us got a house off campus senior year. I would suggest to anyone watching this to explore that kind of option if available, it's kind of the best of both worlds.

[@thatchickencat4562]

I was a freshman in a double last year. I’ll be a sophomore in a 4 person apartment but i’ll have my own room and it’ll have a code on the outside so it really is my own room and my own private space. I already have been on both sides of the coin in a double. My roommate was noisy and barely ever left the room when he was there, which over time drove me crazy, as I just wanted to some quiet. So I got noise cancelling headphones + earbuds to help with that. HOWEVER, he went home allot, especially in the second semester. He had lots of online classes then, and for months I would always be in the room all by myself from Thursday evening through Monday evening… I was truly lonely and sometimes I even went home so i’d be less lonely, since making friends and talking to new people is hard. That being said, i’m looking forward to a “happy medium” where I’ll still share a space and not totally live alone… but i’ll still have my own private space no matter how bad my suite-mates may or may not be 🤣

[@imarmytrash888]

Due to personal reasons I do NOT want a roommate. I personally never had the privacy someone would normally have and I can't TAKE it anymore xD I really pray my uni can give me a single.

[@laceslifeYT]

Nothing wrong with that! I hope your uni listened and accommodated for you! Good luck this semester :)

[@christsservant5472]

I loved living in a single dorm. I loved my own private space. The only think is it was very lonely. I only had one friend and she lived in a different building.

[@REALjackiehu]

I suppose that the US is the only first world country that makes their college students share room with strangers. What shocks me is that they even have triple rooms. In the UK, even in a city with rocket high rents like London, every student, even a freshman, has his own room. Normally 3 to 8 people live in a flat, and they share common space like kitchen, living room, bathroom and balcony. While maintaining personal privacy, they still get the chance to socialize with their roommates.

[@maeuschen22]

Yep anerica is weird. Nz, australia and european unis all have single rooms or you're sharing a little apartment but still have the dining halls etc

[@lumi3866]

i currently live in a single dorm. i also have my own bathroom! i kept my dorm from last year too and i love it but there are some downsides. mostly the social aspect. if you’re an introvert like me then it’ll be more difficult to make friends. if you have a roommate you’re more inclined to leave your room often. single dorm life means sacrificing your social life for your own space. overall having a single dorm can be good and bad.

[@abbyfaithlabial]

what if you live in an apartment style dorm with singles? it’s basically an apartment with 4 rooms and 4 roommates.

[@laceslifeYT]

I lived in a similar situation when I stayed at Allegheny over the summer. I think it was a good balance between social time and alone time. If you can find people to live with, its definitely the way to go

[@desireevele9499]

Ngl this validated my feelings of me being in a single

[@adelinaalvarez3450]

I got accepted today w/ a scholarship & i’m considering to go

[@laceslifeYT]

That's great to hear! Maybe I'll see you on campus soon :)

[@nternetrat]

I will say- if you really want a single, then you're probably right and will thrive in a single. But. I was in a triple. and it was WAY better than a double, as far as roommates go. Something about just one other person being in the room with you... only one other person to talk to.... with three people, it's so much less tense, easy going.

[@meganw9380]

but is there drama in your triple?

[@nternetrat]

@@meganw9380 no, and yeah very good point,, evvverything is very dependent on who u get as roomies. i got a rly good group. also tho, with doubles i've noticed (personally and w friends) there's a lot of passive aggressiveness, cus what r u gonna do, create beef w the one person u live with? there's upsides and downsides to every option

[@novelle.27]

yeah, when I had to write in priority order what kind of housing I wanted on my freshman housing form, I put single -> triple -> double. I get really bad social anxiety from one-to-one social interactions.

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

It is worth it (single) if you need silence to study!

[@laceslifeYT]

Absolutely! I was lucky to have a friend group that I could hang out with all the time and then when we were done I could go back to my room and focus and have no distractions! There will probably be some noise though, since your neighbors might be loud occasionally also. A single is always worth it in my opinion, it just depends on what you want

[@shyannrulander4352]

Thank you for making this video!

[@laceslifeYT]

Thank you for watching!!

[@maja_papaya]

i was so lucky to recieve a single for normal price for my accommodations...like crazy helpful!!!

[@laceslifeYT]

That’s so great to hear! I am glad :)

[@ave.4560]

I wanna live in a 4 person dorm. I get my own room but we share like the kitchen and living room area. Only because ik if I live in a single ima be the most anti social bish ever lmao

[@laceslifeYT]

I lived in a 4 person apartment when I stayed over the summer once and it was awesome, but it was not fun going back to a single when the fall semester started. I live in a 5 person apartment now and its just as fun especially being a senior now :)

[@Turtle-y8s]

Honestly just preference based, I had a room mate and it was a great experience, but I understand that some people want more privacy than others

[@alexiserven997]

I have misophonia so living with people would be difficult and it’s nice to know this is an option 😊😊

[@laceslifeYT]

Yes just make sure you communicate well with your res life staff well and they will take care of you! Good luck with school!

[@alexiserven997]

@@laceslifeYT thank you so much!

[@BLACCRAINBOW1997]

I know this is a couple of year old, but thatnks for the info! I hope my room doesnt change, i just got an email that i got a single room! Even if its small, i enjoy my privacy and solitude ❤

[@laceslifeYT]

Living in that single was one of the best parts of my time at Allegheny!

[@FaithLiberman]

I’m going to college next year and have not yet completed the costs and stuff, but do you think it costs more money to get a single when it is a disability accommodation? I haven’t really found anything on that part since I haven’t completed all the paperwork for it.

[@laceslifeYT]

That is really hard to say. A single overall definitely costs more money since you're essentially "buying out" what would be your roommate's space and the extra privacy. But since it would be a disability accommodation it may be different. You would have to contact the schools you're interested in and compare what they say. Sorry I couldn't help much more but hopefully everything works out :)

[@denniseenriquez7075]

I’m getting a single with a disability accommodation and it shouldn’t cost more

[@Aphetalion]

STD protection while taking a shower is pricy these days

[@mrnomnom]

I’m going in this fall as a freshman … watterson towers :D

[@laceslifeYT]

Congrats! I’ll see you soon then :)

[@eshababar192]

can you please tell me that does hofstra offer loan for a dorm room? and much does it cost ?

[@chriskatity8275]

How did you go about getting a single? Was it hard?

[@laceslifeYT]

I moved from a double to a single during peak COVID time, so I had to fill out a google form and send an email to res life about my situation and since there weren’t many students on campus they had plenty of singles and put me into one. Now with everything opening back up, I’m not 100% sure what the process is like, but I imagine in theory if you talk to res life they should still be able to put you in a single. Thank you for watching I hope this helps!

[@StephanieObrien-n9e]

why did i have the exact sanme nug sign

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

Where did you buy your cat-inspired goodies?

[@laceslifeYT]

Most of my cat stuff was given to me as gifts! If I had to guess though, a lot of it was probably from Kohl's lol

[@seapeace3]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@AlmightyScorchy]

How did you afford housing in college? It looks expensive

[@laceslifeYT]

It’s definitely pricey. Different types of housing have different rates too so choosing housing is a mixture of what works best for you. It’s typically put on your bill with the rest of your fees, but it can be paid off through loans, scholarships, campus employment, etc. Communicating your needs and wants is always a great first step into finding the best plan to afford everything that best fits your situation. Thank you for watching and I hope this helped!

[@AlmightyScorchy]

@@laceslifeYT How did you afford it yourself, was it through loans?

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

Where did you buy your pillows?

[@laceslifeYT]

The back pillow thing was a Christmas gift but I think it was from Kohls? And the stuffed animals were won at an arcade :)

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

Thanks!@@laceslifeYT

[@annecanaman8230]

Could anyone tell me what does Vgnore mean ? :)

[@wishIKnewHowToLove]

very informative!

[@laceslifeYT]

Thank you!

[@clackety_]

I should of took a single, but i ended up in 6 person room. Feel like ass but trying to be optimistic

[@laceslifeYT]

Oh wow! Hopefully you mean theres 6 rooms for each person and not one big room with 6 beds! I have never heard of that before... Hopefully everything works out, good luck!

[@clackety_]

@@laceslifeYT nope, all 6 in one room 😞 Thank you!

[@maeuschen22]

I dont understand why americans generally share dorm rooms. Unis in the rest of the world generally only have single dorms

[@princessgemini1189]

So about how much more is it for a single dorm I’m coming to western this August and I was going to go to the valleys but I don’t think those rooms are big enough for two people especially cause I have a lot of stuff

[@laceslifeYT]

I'm not sure about your school, but at Allegheny its at least $500 more I think. It definitely varies by school cause someone commented that the prices for a single and a double are the same at their school. I would definitely contact reslife or see if they post the prices online before making a final decision. Good luck! :)

[@ShamicaAnderson]

At CU Denver I believe the cheapest I saw a single was $5,7xx per semester. So around $1628 per month. 😬

[@pablobarrera3943]

Hi there superb. Post😂

[@laceslifeYT]

Thank you :)

[@SecretOfUnitedStates]

I want to work with you

[@rickyandrews8409]

I want to like to say that you are very pretty and beautiful girl 😅