If you're planning on going away to college, you're probably psyched about living in a dorm. And maybe you're a bit apprehensive because you don't know what to expect. One way to get an idea what dorm life is like is to find out what dorm life is not like. Read on to learn what not to expect of dorm living.

Dorm Life Is Not One Big Party
You're going to have a great time living in the dorms. You'll make lots of new friends, and you'll be part of zany group activities like floor wars and theme parties. But once the dust settles on the first few weeks of school, you'll start to realize that dorm life is real life. In other words, college is not summer camp. Sure, there will be wild and crazy parties and plenty of fun times, but in the end, the dorms are a place you'll sleep, eat, study, and mess around on your computer. In other words, the dorm will become your new home.

Dorm Life Is Not Always Conducive to Studying
Speaking of studying - which is what you're going to college to do, right? - the dorms are not always the best place for book learning. You might find that your dorm is loud and hosts so many fun activities that it's hard to concentrate on academics. If that's the case, choose your own study spots where you know you'll be able to get work done. The library is a popular option (especially during midterms and finals), since there are usually lots of quiet alcoves where you can hide away. If you work better with background noise, camp out at a coffee shop, preferably one where you won't be liable to run in to all your friends and all sorts of distractions.

All Dorm Life Is Not Alike
Some dorms have a reputation for wildness, but not all. Substance-free housing in particular has become a popular option for students who want to have a good time without drugs or alcohol. Some colleges have single-sex dorms, which can provide a less distracting environment. And some schools offer separate dorms for upperclassmen, where residents are generally more comfortable with themselves and with the college scene in general.

Dorm Life Is Not Like the Dating Game
If you're living in a coed dorm, you may pass members of the opposite sex in the hallway or even share a bathroom with them. If this sounds like a great dating opportunity, realize that the people you see before they've combed their hair and brushed their teeth in the morning are not ones you'll view as potential significant others. When you approach your dormmates in a non-romantic fashion, you stand to benefit from lasting friendships. But if you try hard to turn your dormmates into dating partners, dorm living can go sour fast.

Dorm Life Is Not All College Has to Offer
It's great if your dormmates become your BFFs, but that just doesn't happen all the time. Your best friends may be the people you meet in class, at drama club, or at off-campus concerts. When you limit your social life to the dorms, you could miss out on all the other great people on campus. Take time to branch out and enjoy the variety of personalities that define your school.

Ultimately, dorm living is something you have to experience for yourself. Your experience is sure to be as unique as you are.

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