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College Memories

Part One:

I haven't done this in a long time! Many of you might be clueless about this neglected feature on my blog, so I'll give you some details. I went to college at the University Of Oregon from 1999 to 2003. Last year, I started telling occasional stories about my years there. Stories about living in the dorms, classes I took, and other little things that I remember fondly. School is starting at the UO again this week, and even though I'm not a student anymore I still get excited when this time of year comes around. Today, I'm going to write about random memories I have of back-to-school time. Warning! This post is going to be rambling, random and informal.

I lived in the dorms all four years of college. Yeah, I was a dork. Truthfully, I didn't mind it that much because it was easier than living at home. I was close to classes, close to everything going on, and I didn't have to cook. We live far out in the suburbs and I don't drive, so commuting to classes would have been a huge hassle. Living on campus allowed me to go from class to my room in just a few minutes, saving hours in commute time. That time was spent either studying or relaxing.

Also, who wouldn't want to live on such a beautiful campus? Sure it was busy when school was in session, but there were times it was peaceful and quiet. It was like living in a park, except with buildings all around.

Move in day would come, and I'd be all packed up. I don't think I ever packed too much for my rooms, but I would ALWAYS bring too many books. I suppose it was a comfort thing. The main thing of course was moving the computer. The desks in the dorm rooms are small, so fitting the computer on them was always tough. Somehow we always managed to fit it in.

When we'd arrive on campus and finally find a place to park and unload, I'd go check in, get my key, and find my room. There's something fascinating about opening the room for the first time each year and seeing it empty and barren. The desks are spotless, the beds aren't made, and the chairs are tucked in ever so gently into the desks. It takes a while to make it feel like home, and of course it will NEVER again be so nice and neat until it's time to move out.

The first two years I was there, part of the moving-in ritual involved meeting the roommate. It's nervewracking meeting the person you'll share that tiny space with for most of the next year. There are decisions to be made: Who gets which side of the room? Where does the TV go? Who took care of the fridge? The rooms are basically the same on each side, so the toughest choice is what side you pick.

The last two years I had a single room, which was actually a double room that only I occupied. Luckily I got the same room both years. It was so nice to be able to do whatever I wanted in the room without worrying about waking a roommate. I could also decorate however I wanted and put stuff wherever I chose.

I'll continue this later so that there's not a huge post to read through.

*edit* part two can be found here.