The early morning rush, the full washrooms, the midnight birthday celebrations, the late-night gossips, the crappy mess food, the pranks, the weekend food deliveries, the stupid fights, and the makeup dance. It was the first time you were on your own, responsible for your actions with that youthful blood running through your veins.
Do you remember the first time you entered your dorms? Received an awkward glare from your roommates, to be? I did! I stepped into the ideal hostel life of three girls. I could see they were bothered by my presence, and so was I. Little did I know that they were going to be an indispensable part of my life. I made companions for life. We shared every minute detail and decorated our place with pictures of various places we visited. Goals were set for every one of us. Our room soon became a rehabilitation center for others who struggled with their roomies. Just a few months, and we know we would be dancing at each other’s weddings.
Every night shifted to a slumber party. With no parental restrictions on when to sleep, it’s amazing how long conversations with our roommates can go on. Staying up till 3 am talking about random stuff becomes almost normal when we’re in a hostel. The sleepover we used to die for back at home is just another night in the room. Exam nights are a bit different; they seem longer. Group study works; at least it keeps you motivated! From pen to books, to textbooks, everything is accorded.
Being away from home makes you realize that money is not in infinite supply, and having to visit the ATM teaches us the pain of being broke. When we’re not at home, we start to realize precisely how much we’re spending, and saying “I have no money right now” becomes normal towards the end of the month. Piled-up mess bills are a mass issue.
Be ready to share your Dabba, if any, cause ‘Ghar ka khana’ seems heaven. Still hungry and have nothing but a kettle and water? Someone is likely to have Maggie, and even if it takes more than 2 minutes to make Maggie in a kettle, well, you won’t be hungry anymore! Be it a shampoo or an iron, or even clothes to wear for a function, everything you need is probably just a knock away. The bustle when girls get ready for a party is the most fun.
Being a hostelite, introvert or extrovert, you can’t help but know a lot of people. Be it going to random seniors for help with studies or reference books or making friends with your entire floor in the daily bathroom struggle; we can’t help making friends with the most unexpected people.
