It's the little things: Substances and Bathrooms

Substances, Bathrooms, and College

Today is going to be a two-parter for some overlooked but very important college selection factors.

First off

Alcohol and Drugs

It is of little surprise that many college students like to use drugs (of the legal and illegal kind). The most common drug is, of course, Alcohol. But many schools have marijuana as well. Harder things are more school dependent. Of course, different colleges have different levels of substance abuse.

When you’re searching and selecting schools, it is worth your time to see what the drug culture at the school is.

I know this seems weird, sketchy, and scary, but there is a reason.

It all comes back to fit of course.

If you’re not a big partier, or you’re very against substance use, you will want to find a school where you can embrace that without being a social pariah.  If you want to party, you’re better off finding somewhere that it won’t be a struggle.

I would say that the culture of nearly every school I looked at was “If you want to drink, no one will stop you, but if you don’t, nobody will pressure you.”

I didn’t want a school that was dry and boring, but I also wanted a school where it wouldn’t matter that I didn’t drink or smoke. Comfort zone everyone, find out what yours is.

You’re not going to find this kind of information on an official tour, but there are websites like CollegeProwler that will provide that information. The internet is your friend for this search. You can also ask your friends at the schools what the culture is, but of course, this is limited to the scope of their experience.

But even if you go to a school that is considered to be fairly dry, there will be people who drink and smoke. Know this. Accept it. Don’t be too surprised.

My school is supposed to be very light on alcohol and nearly non-existant for anything illegeal.

Does this mean that I don’t know anyone who smokes marijuana? Absolutely not. I have many friends who smoke. But I also have lots of friends who don’t smoke or drink at all.
I don’t smoke, anything, at all. But my suitemates (who I share a bathroom with) like to smoke in their room. Which means that every once in a while I’ll come home, go to take my contacts out, and then immediately storm out of my bathroom after opening the window wide open and placing the fan on high. It takes a long time to air out our bathroom from the nasty smell. It’s frustrating, but that’s what happens when you get random suitemates.

So time for a transition

Let’s talk about BATHROOMS

Another thing that you don’t really want to think about or talk about when you are touring schools, but again, very important.

There are typically 4 types of bathrooms you’ll find at college. And you’ll want to know what you’re about to live with for the next 1-4 years.

So 4 basic bathroom types

1.     Single Sex Hall Bathroom- This is by far the most common. It’s a public bathroom with showers and toilets shared by the entire hall. You won’t have to clean it, but privacy can be an issue.
Tip: Have a time you plan to shower every day and stick to it. It will keep you from having to wait for a shower because you know what to expect.

2.     Co-Ed Bathroom- This is not as common, but is definitely the most divisive or intimidating of bathroom types. The major difference is that it’s coed, which can definitely be a bit scary or intimidating. Make sure you can deal with all of the possible awkwardness this situation can bring before you jump in.
Tip: Robes are your friend. But also don’t be too scared. It’s not going to be a perverted thing, everyone will be just as nervous as you are.

3.     Suite-Style bathroom- This is common for upperclassmen dorms, but some schools have this option for freshman. You’ll have a bathroom shared by 2 rooms. You will usually have to clean it yourself. At some schools you can pick your suitemates the same way you would a roommate, and at others you cannot. Luck of the draw on this one.
Tip: Work out a shower schedule for the mornings and evenings and a cleaning schedule that ensures the bathroom is being cleaned hardcore at least once a week. Also enforce a “you puke, you clean” rule.

4.     Apartment or Private Bathroom- This is the crème de la crème, but very rare (especially for freshman dorms). You will have a bathroom for just you and your roommate. It will be glorious, but you’ll probably have to clean it yourself.
Tip: Once again, have a schedule. Also invest in a pretty shower curtain and a bathmat, it will make everything feel homey. Also, cleaning the bathroom can be used as currency with your roommate.

Other things to ask about bathrooms:

Do you have to clean the bathrooms? Especially important for suite style, some schools have people in to clean them but most do not.

Is toilet paper provided? No explanation, but a money saver and good to know.

Final tips:

Learn how to clean a bathroom! Know how to do it properly before you get there.
Invest in a nice big towel, a robe, and shower shoes. Also a shower caddy if you have a hall bathroom, or a shower shelf if you have a suite (so everyone can keep their things in the shower all the time).