By Jinan Al-Busaidi '16, Proctor
Going to Tabor Academy prepares you for college in so many ways. If you are a boarding student, it can be an opportunity to experience what college living is like before most of your friends or people your age.
As the school year approaches, you've probably been packing for a few days now, and have been imagining what it's like to live in a dorm. It can be hard to think about living away from everything you've known and gotten used to, especially living with complete strangers in a new environment, so here are a few tips:
- First and foremost: Be yourself! Being a new student is kind of scary, but it's also exciting. Being involved in the community is a great way to meet new people and make friends. Even if you hate being the new kid at first (like I did), you are bound to make friends who like you for who you are. Patience is key!
- Don't worry or stress out! Transitioning into dorm life may be hard, but there are many other students who are going through the same thing as you. Plus, you're going to have the chance to speak with people of all ages: dorm mates, dorm parents, proctors, peer listeners, faculty, advisors, and friends.
- Look forward to new experiences! Living in a dorm certainly has its advantages; you get to live with people from different backgrounds, bond with girls or guys who you might not have met had you not been placed in a dormitory, and be introduced to all kinds of food and music tastes. Let's not forget all the cool activities you'll get to do, not only with your dorm, but also with people from your grade and other grades too!
- Remember to pack the essentials! Clothes are a given of course, but don't forget to pack your toiletries, towels, pillows and bedsheets, pictures from back home, things that you like (games, electronics, books, posters, musical instruments). Don't worry though, if you do forget any of the things mentioned above, you can always ask one of your friends or dorm parents! There's also multiple trips to Wareham Crossing almost every week, which has a Target, several clothing stores, and stores that cover all your basics.
A room in Tabor's newest dorm, Matsumura House.
- Bring food! I know this might sound strange, but trust me when I say this: having a few snacks in your room can be a blessing, especially after a long practice (or when you're binge-watching Netflix)!
I hope you found this post helpful in some way, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me, another proctor, a friend, a faculty member, or a dorm parent. Best of luck in the upcoming school year!
