Rooming and Board

bluestar7
Tue, 18 Apr 2006 23:06:55 +0000

As for the bathrooms, there is a hook next to each shower where you can hang your towels, robe, etc. If you wear your street clothes into the bathroom, you’ll probably only be able to toss them on the floor, but it’s okay, because they’ll probably end up in your hamper anyway. As for actual shower supplies, everyone totes them around in a handy little shower caddy. Keeps everything organized and together.

As for the doubles vs. singles… it’s really a matter of personal preference. If you think a double is a complete sacrifice of personal space, comfort and security, then by all means select a single. It seems as if someone who is truly concerned about these aspects would also be more inclined to pay for them, as they’re what’s important to you. If you have a genuine, well-founded, legitimate concern, then go for it-- you will find that extra $1000 well worth it, I’m sure.

Living in doubles isn’t horrible-- and this is coming from an only child with a lot of stuff who craves her own space. It was a welcome change of pace and a worthwhile first year experience. It was nice having someone to talk to at night, it was nice having someone around. But, on the flip side, freshman dorms at Duke are inherently social environments. The hallways are wide, people are always around dropping by to say hi. You can survive in a single and not feel isolated-- just keep your door open and allow visitors. I didn’t feel like there was less of a security issues. I trusted my roommate, but we also set ground rules. If we weren’t in the room, the door was always locked, and our drawers/closets were off limits to the other person.

I enjoyed my double experience first year, managed this year (solely related to a poor roommate choice) and am living in a single next year if I’m not abroad. Singles do have their perks, but experiencing a double, even if its just for one year, does seem