We love taking things for granted.
It's all the easier when it's all handed to you on a freshly washed and still-warm LaFollette meal tray.
Living out in the great beyond makes you appreciate the beauty of no-spill trash bags, free Internet and Teflon pans.
Oh, precious Teflon pans.
These items are among the many that are taken for granted in our youth and ever so appreciated in our, um, older youth.
For those freshmen nearing the end of their time in a residence hall, or for upperclassman looking to close their extended stay, life outside the halls is a temptation of freedom and so much more.
Maybe you just found out your rates shot up 5 percent.
Residence hall living takes care of the food and cleaning, but the ability to light candles, party, smoke and not worry about a resident assistant are equally as tempting to many.
For those seriously considering the switch to non-university living, take note of the common items and concerns you might not stop to think about.
One of the things many residents (a.k.a. men) overlook is the one thing they enjoy most: furniture. It's easy to say, "Yeah, we'll have that," but it's another thing to actually get it. Don't be afraid to ask about what, if any, furniture is included in you rent when you tour prospective residences. Some resort-style residences offer beds, while others... not so much. Cardboard is never fun to sleep on.
Develop good, close friends. As the songs all say, they're one of the best things you'll ever have. Be prepared for a drastic change in social lifestyle if you move out on your own or even away from the dorms. Staying in touch is easy -- it's making the effort that counts.
You smell better when your clothes are washed. It's true. If one is not provided for your private use, find out where the nearest laundry facility is and how much it will cost you to use. In many cases, it will be located in strikingly close proximity to your good friends' apartment if not in it.
Told you they'd come in handy.
Never underestimate the walk to campus in cruddy weather. The campus shuttle is your friend, as is the Muncie Indiana Transportation System. However, in strikingly odd similarity to your real friends, they aren't always on your schedule.
In the kitchen, it'll become a big enough issue of who'll do the dishes, let alone who will supply the damn things. Work it out ahead of time with your mates: cups, silverware and plates are common. There are also the inevitable, "Oh, crap!" items: pots, (Teflon!) pans, oversized spoons, toasters and appliances in general. There are hundreds of stupid little kitchen tools such as spatulas, measuring cups and two-way deluxe graters (OK, I don't have one of those), many of which you'll only want when you don't have it. Among those stupid tools: a pathetic roommate to do all your dishes for you. They'll thank you for using that non-stick Teflon, just make sure you stick with plastic utensils or your scratch it up worse than two sorority girls in a cat fight.
Oh, and don't forget your blender.
No -- they don't have those with Teflon.
Stick around long enough during the visit to get a good sense of how thin your walls and floors are. It sounds funny, but you'll be happy to have taken it into consideration when your upstairs neighbors go for a 3 a.m. romp or your next door neighbors make Valentine's Day all the more special.
Consider media intake, as well. This is where the money is made or lost, so pick carefully and pay attention to what's included in your rent. Hard wired or cell phones? Cable or antenna television? DSL or Cable Internet?
Pay-per-view or your roommates' collection?
Hmm, awkward.
Did I mention Teflon?
Write to Dave at heydave@bewilderedsociety.com
Visit http://www.bewilderedsociety.com
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