Ah yes, the Sac State dorms.
Chances are, if you're an 18-year old freshman, your housing of
choice might be the Dorms. What's not to like? Co-ed halls, 3
hots and a cot, and lovely bathroom facilities. All you really
need to get by is in the dorms. So, if you have yet to move, in,
consider this your cram session.
1. First, select your dorm hall in the summertime. Most
new Sac State dorm rats get the chance to choose which hall to
live in, but since the inexperienced student might not know
which from which, it's a crap shoot if you don't choose.
- Desmond Hall. If
you're 18 and want the best out of your college life, choose
Desmond Hall. It's a newer (1990s), meaning better facilities,
rooms and furniture, but most of all, other people your age.
Definitely the hall of choice by freshmen. As long as you
don't mind the noise, stay here and you can't go wrong.
- Sutter/Sierra Hall. If
you're an older student that does not want to partake in
18-year olds partying until 2 in the morning, choose Sutter or
Sierra. Both of these cater to older students that are a
little more concerned with studying. The housing itself is a
little flimsy, but it just needs a little decorating. Both are
fine halls, but they are not really ideal for incoming
freshmen.
- Draper and Jenkins Hall.
Draper and Jenkins are both considered the "ghetto" halls,
largely because they are so old. Usually one is closed down
while the other is being "repaired", but there's only so much
you can do. They're old. That's the way it goes. The second
and third floor of Draper has great views of the pool,
however. You'll be a popular guy in these rooms when bikini
season is open.
- The Mystery "6th hall"...
pick this one and you are guaranteed good times. It will
be wired to the walls and with all the modern (non-Korean War
era) amenities. Probably your best bet.
2. Move in early. The
quicker you move in, the more time you'll have to avoid long
lines at the Hornet Bookstore. Bonus... by the time your
roommate shows up, you've already figured out what parts of the
room are yours and what's your roommate's. Looks like your
roommate got the messed up mattress! That's a shame.
3. Rent or buy a mini-fridge. This is very important. Hit
up mom and pops while they're moving you in and get them to kick
down for a fridge. You will need this for snacks and assorted
'beverages' of your choice.
4. When checking in, make sure you itemize everything in your
room as being thrashed. This way, at the end of the year,
you can't really be held accountable for it, since it was in
pretty poor shape to begin with, right?
5. Mark your CD's. These things can have a tendency of
walking off on the weekends, and how can you tell if the guy
across the hall borrowed it? Only the Sharpie knows. OK, maybe
we are dating ourselves - you damn kids probably show up with
your new-fangled iPhones and all your music on one handy little
package, dontcha? Punk kids.
6. The D.C. The Sac State Dining Commons, or "D.C."
offers a variety of delicious meals, especially the first week,
when you're parents are checking to make sure you're eating
okay, but it has a tendency to go downhill after the initial 2
weeks. Rumor has it that the D.C. has been getting better, but
stay away from Tater Tot Casserole and Special K Loaf. That's
all I got to say about that.
7. Quarters are golden. You absolutely will need quarters
if you plan on doing any laundry off-campus. A hearty supply on
laundry day is a necessity. However, laundry at the dorms
doesn't run on coins anymore - they use ATMs, Credit Cards, and
Laundry Voucher Cards in the machines. (Guess they caught on to
the quarters with the fishing line trick). The best time to do
your laundry in the dorms is at 3 in the morning; otherwise they
are usually pretty packed.
8. R.A.'s are your buddies. Residence Advisors are there
to keep the peace, so be cool with them. If these people are
your friends, the more likely they are to look the other way
when you trot in with a conspicuous looking paper bag on Friday
night.
9. Advil. These little power pellets will be your best
friend on an ugly Sunday morning. Keep plenty on hand, because
when you need them, you're not going to want to grovel with your
neighbors for some.
10. Finally, Budget your time. You will not make it
through four years of college if you do not study. Make sure to
put aside some time for schoolwork. There will be times when
Taco Bell or Playstation 3 with your buddies sounds better, but
you have to learn to put aside time to do schoolwork and nothing
else. Find somewhere with no distractions and make yourself
scarce.
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