What You'll See During Campus Tour
Your campus put your parents on a trip back to memory lane. Your old man swore the residence hall looked like his. You knew he attended Cornell, but no word about the dorm. The gap-toothed brickwork, the carpet stains, the funny smell. This could be a coincidence. Is it possible to have an upgrade? Hot tubs on the dorm. A movie theater with free snacks. Arcade during the weekend. Some universities offer these lavish amenities, which make lucky students. Some lucky students. Don't fret if you're not one of them.
The campus in days of yore looked more like a brick fortress, with small rooms and narrow hallways. And expect humid days during the first month of autumn. If you find this unbearable, then think about your current position. (Is it you or is it getting hot?) If you're an English major, then this can be a blessing in disguise. This is a setting of a hair-raising tale by Stephen King. (It's not a reason to harbor doubts, though.) Try to look at the bright side of things. Here are three reasons why this set-up can be favorable:
It will foster friendship. This kind of set-up won't distract you from your studies. Make no mistake that it won't inspire you. Unless you want to be the next big thing in Horror fiction, then you'll turn your attention to your housemates. You'll get used to the lack of amenities after attending many parties. And you'll realize there are better things than air hockey tables, plasma television, and themed diner. A support system, which you'll need during the final week of the semester. Cherish every moment with them. Never forget them as well. There's a good chance that one or two will end up as lifelong friends.
You don't have to join the amenities arms race. There's a trend during the last few decades, where colleges offer crazy-awesome amenities. And students rather look for better lodgings. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the price tag. If you're one of those students who settles with the cheapest, then tell yourself that it couldn't be worse. Unless the toilets (in the dorm) are temperamental. (Then again, you might be imagining and overreacting.) This won't be your permanent home. Look around, as you might discover a thing or two. It can be a pleasant surprise. A cable, complete with HBO, is a possibility.
Charge it to experience. If you think the buildings in the campus have outlived its usefulness, then expect a demolition sooner or later. You'll be excited, as you'll finally experience theme menus. (You can't decide if it's Mongolian Drill or Stone Hearth Pizza.) And then nostalgia will change your mind. You may not be impressed at the place, but it will get into you. Every little detail. (Your dorm may be unique, after looking at the damp spot on the ceiling.) This can be a setting of an intriguing tale, if you want to write about it.
