University of Virginia Library

Adventures In Dormitory Living

By PATTI KYLE

It is unlikely that Home
Economics courses will ever appear
in the University's catalogue. But a
practical class in "Domi Life I"
isn't such a bad idea.
Unfortunately, the lesson is better
learned when self-taught.

A few suggestions from a former
resident of the Alderman Road
dorms might make the adjustment
easier though. I must warn you that
these tips are aimed strictly at
residents of the newer dorms.
Those first-yearmen who draw the
"slums" (McCormick Road dorms,
to the uninitiated) can read along
and be envious of the comforts
they're missing.

A gourmetisserie that will soon
become familiar to you is the Glass
flat, affectionately dubbed "Le
Crystal Chapeau" by a frustrated
connoisseur last year. The cuisine is
strictly a la Hot Shoppes, but you
can't laugh at the quick service and
conveniently late hours. You can
laugh about the Plexiglas
atmosphere though.

As for mail, the best time to
check your box is after 11:00 a.m.
If the long-awaited letter isn't
there by then, chances are slim that
it will be in your box that night.
The best way to solve the empty
mailbox syndrome is to subscribe
to your hometown newspaper; then
your box will always be full.

Sooner or later you'll have to hit
the laundry room in Dunnington.
I'm not recommending that you go
around offending people, but put
this one off as long as possible.
Trying to find a machine that is
empty and/or operable may be one
of the true accomplishments of
your college career. I, myself, could
not believe that all the machines
could always be in use, but last
spring I took my wash down at
3.30 in the morning on a weeknight
only to find every machine in use.
I've heard Friday and Saturday
nights usually yield a few empty
machines, if you're really that
intent on doing your laundry.

For the discriminating
decorator, there are several stores at
the Corner and the Barracks Road
Shopping Center that carry posters
to cover your bandaid-colored
walls. Room embellishments are a
good investment if you find
monastery interiors unsuitable.

When the plumbing runs afoul,
do not call Security. This means
they must take time from their
ticket writing. The number you
should call is 924-3053.

While on the subject of security
and plumbing, I might add that
security around the dorms is very
good. Those voices you hear from
the shrubbery as you and your date
approach your dorm is not another
couple in search of solitude-it's
probably a foot patrol on his walkie
talkie.

Finding a place to study is
almost as hard as finding that
empty washing machine. If you
want to do some serious hawking, I
don't recommend that you do it in
your bedroom. Stereos, roommates,
and unexpected visitors all too
easily lure you from
enlightenment. The Housing
Division has thoughtfully provided
study lounges in Tuttle and Webb,
and most light reading can be done
in there. For those who require
absolute silence, there are study
rooms equipped with steel desks
and sterile walls. Generally, Webb's
lounge is quieter than Tuttle's
because you don't have the
constant flow of traffic to the
vending machines, bathrooms, etc.
If you're really out to cram, the
Alderman Library is open until
11:30 and the Cabell Hall Library is
open all night. If you're not up for
the walk, check into using empty
classrooms in Gilmer Hall.

I thought I'd save the best news
until last. Ralph Main is the
Housing Director and the "Terms
and Conditions" is your bible.
Refrigerators are now allowed in
the dorms, provided you obtain a
permit from Housing (a $10.00 fee
is charged). The refrigerators must
meet certain size requirements and
be kept in your room.

Unless you come from the slums
of New York, you'll wonder what
made you give up the comforts of
home in pursuit of higher
education. But a "stiff upper lip"
attitude and a sense of humor is the
best way to combat the
day-to-day discomforts you run
up against. Looking on the bright
side, you could be living in the
McCormick Road dorms (unless
you're a girl). And, finally, if you
didn't have all these problems, what
would you write about?