The Do's and Don’ts of Dan Flats
This isn't a romantic fairytale story about how I chose to live with seven strangers from my sorority, and we all lived happily ever after in Danieley with no problems ever. I WISH that was the case, but then again, I wouldn't have any advice to offer if it was. Living in a Dan Flat definitely has its pros and cons. In my case, with full transparency, it was mostly cons during my first semester. I was used to my quiet Global room with my roommate/best friend. Flash-forward to a year later, and I was with six other sorority girls shoved into four rooms with VERY limited space. It was definitely an adjustment for me, and it is completely normal to be a little bit worried about move-in day. The following advice is based on my experience, and we at the Edge believe it's both a brutally honest and super helpful guide if a Dan Flat is your future home.
DO make a trash schedule.
Make this the first week. Make it non-negotiable. Visitors always point it out and laugh. Do we follow it? Maybe not EVERY day, but it does keep us accountable when the trash is overflowing. No one can claim “they just took it out” when there’s a schedule on the wall.
DON’T bring every item of clothing you own.
In Danieley, you will get one wardrobe and three drawers. You might have some plastic bins under your bed, but really think about what you’ll wear while you’re here. Don’t bring your winter coat in August. Keep it very limited because there will be no room for that shirt you wore one time your senior year of high school.
DO set boundaries.
Make sure you are firm about what you want and what you expect from your roommates. Other people can’t read your mind, and this was definitely a lesson I wish I learned before moving in. Communication is so important.
DON’T shy away from confrontation.
If you feel like just ignoring problems until they go away is your go-to, you might want to consider just confronting issues head-on in the Dan Flat. My roommates and I have learned to do this, and it has honestly been much healthier for us. There are no passive aggressive texts in the group chat or whispering to each other in the living room. If someone has an issue, we talk about it.
DO thank the cleaning crews.
They do SO MUCH for our flat, and they are honestly the kindest people ever. Say thank you every time they’re there. It is SUCH a gift after a long weekend or a few messy days. They don’t do absolutely everything, but what they do is a huge help.
DON’T take a single moment for granted.
This is my final and most important piece of advice.
There have been fights and tears. There have also been hugs and laughs. Six people who used to be strangers have become my little Danieley family. We've lived together through the ups and downs—the breakdowns AND breakups. You don't have to be best friends with the people you live with, but they will be your roommates for two whole semesters of college so take my advice: make the most of every moment, even the moments when you want to move out.