Dorm Life | John Brown University Student Life Blog

Making Friends at JBU

Apr 03 2019

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Coming into college, I expected to immediately make amazing friends without putting in a lot of effort. I dreamed of evenings exploring Siloam Springs, hiking local trails on Saturday afternoons and having late nights with lots of laughter and long conversations. I made plenty of friends my first semester at JBU, but I only had one friendship that went beyond the surface level. I struggled to find anyone else that I really clicked well with. As a result, I found myself sitting in my room, lonely many afternoons and throughout my weekends when she wasn’t available. I couldn’t figure why[…]

Dear Joe: Welcome to JBU

Feb 20 2019

1,260

Before my younger brother came to John Brown University, I decided to write him letters containing advice to help him succeed and enjoy his JBU experience. I think you’ll find some useful information in these letters, as well as some personal stories about my time as a JBU student. I hope the information in these letters will help you to succeed at JBU but, more importantly, I hope they help you to enjoy this formative time in life. Dear Joe, I hear you’ve decided to follow in my footsteps and attend JBU this coming fall semester. As your older brother,[…]

Oct 03 2018

1,630

“Enjoy it. These will be the best days of your entire life.” While these words were once an anthem of hope, they now rang in my ears like a bad omen. I was sitting in my bed with a mug of pumpkin spice coffee and a laptop open to a livestream of the college football team from back home. My feet were tucked into wool socks, my hair in wet bun. It was the day after my birthday, Labor Day weekend of my freshman year. The friends I had made so far were with their families, who had come to[…]

Jun 12 2017

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In the next year, you’ll develop a myriad of relationships. One of the most important relationships you will create is with your future roommate. Living with your roommate does not mean that he or she will be your best friend. A few people, like myself, find their roommate becomes their best friend. Very often, someone will not see their roommates for several days. Some will barely be friends. Regardless of the situation, communication is key to a healthy roommate relationship. Here are some ideas to develop your roommate relationship. Contact your roommate- Here’s where you should start a conversation with[…]

Mar 15 2017

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There was one thing at the forefront of my mind as the first semester approached. Friends. Who will they be? What will they be like? What will life with them look like? If you’re like me, community is your lifeline. Trying to do life without it is like being four years old in the wave pool without your floaties. It’s exhausting, and it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning. As I was preparing to come to JBU, I worried about community. The more I thought about it, the more building a community from scratch seemed daunting. I can tell you now that a community of[…]

Mar 09 2017

1,204

“Let’s go biking!” I look at Hannah like she’s crazy. “It’s 20 degrees outside.” “So? I’ll buy you coffee!” I deliberate for a moment, but she definitely has me. I’ll do anything for free coffee. “Fine.” The sky is bright and the sun looks warm and inviting, but the outdoors is deceptive. The cold hits me like a wall of death, freezing my nose off and turning my fingers into icicles. Even sitting on my bike seat feels cold and painful. “Why are we doing this?” I ask, but start to laugh when Hannah gives me that look—the one that[…]

Mar 06 2017

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There aren’t very many college kids who get up at 6:15 every morning. I love it. My alarm goes off and I wake to a dark room, the blinds are drawn and my roommate is a lump under her blanket. I pad out of the room as quietly as possible, go downstairs, open the blinds, brew a pot of coffee and watch the sun start to rise. I’m the only one awake. I curl up on the couch under my soft, comfortable blanket and crack open my Bible for my morning devotion. I sit in the stillness, watching the world wakeup.[…]

Mar 02 2017

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In my two years of dorm living, I’ve noticed a common thread. Hardcore gamers are some of the most isolated people on campus. Having lived in J. Alvin, the loudest, most boisterous, testosterone-filled dorm on JBU’s campus, I understand that dorm life can be anyone’s nightmare. For someone shy, introverted, quiet, or in need of time alone, retreating to the dorm room with just the console and a headset seems like such a relief. However, too much of this can result in isolation, loss of friendships, and missed opportunities. Last year, one of my suite mates spent the majority of his time in[…]

Category - Dorm Life

Making Friends at JBU

Dear Joe: Welcome to JBU

The Best Days

Crafting a Successful and Beneficial Relationship with Your Roommate

Community—Finding Your Floaties

Which Do You Need More: Fingers or Coffee?

Why You Should Get Out of Bed Earlier

Don’t Let Video Games Control Your Life