University of Kansas - Jayhawker Yearbook (Lawrence, KS)

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cLOcKw1sE FROM TOP: A STUDENT CONCENTRATES ON I-us MAILBOX COMBINATION. A STUDENT takes time from studying to do some laundry. Washing clothing could become an expensive part of dorm life because it cost at least 31.75 to Wash and dry a load. Two students spend time in their residence hall room. cramped living quar- ters often challenged communication skills between roommates and friends. -photos by jared Bertels. dorm life l

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IDS BLEAK RAYS OF SUNSHINE FTLTERED THROUGH THE BLINDS AND fell to the cold tile floor. Dilapidated furniture lined the stark walls and stray bits of tape here and there were the only decoration. Suddenly, the door swung open, and in flew a student bearing colorful posters, pictures and tap- estries, as well as a bright comforter and a cozy inflatable chair. The room was instantly transformed. N o longer did it resemble an asylum cell, but looked like a typical col- lege dorm room. Recent renovations of Templin and Lewis Halls altered the format of the typical college dorm room. No longer merely a single room, the new format included a large common area with space for a small kitchenette, a per- sonal bathroom, a walk-in closet and two bedrooms. I love the room size and having a personal bathroom and shower, said Brian Eiswirth, St. Louis freshman. I also have a whole bedroom to myself because my room- mate never showed up. Lewis and Templin may have bigger rooms, but the older residence halls, like Ellsworth, fostered a greater sense of community. I like having other people nearby, Kristi Liu, Wichita freshman, said, We went to Hawk Week activities. We eat as a floor, and we watch TV in our lobby. Our RA's also try to organize floor activities and get us involved in commtumity service. The pristine atmosphere created by the remodeled resi- dence halls was nothjng compared to the unrestrained ambiance of other residence halls, such as the two all- female dorms, GSP and Corbin. I like having no guys around early in the morning because I can go to breakfast in a robe and no one cares, Roxanna Fanniong, Pheonix, Ariz., freshman, said. Residence hall atmosphere was not only affected by where one lived but also by one's class level, Hashinger has a great social aspect, Iulie DePauw, St. Louis, sophomore said, but it can be distracting at times. As you get older, you have a set schedule and more responsibilities. BY KELLY HAWKINS PHOTOS BY JARED BERTELS 16 campus life LLS is gf?

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Melissa Decelles was an incoming freshman to the University. This is an excerpt from her diary about her first few days as a college student. August 4, 1999 I started packing today I didn't get much done though--I was going through my old papers. I get so lost in my memories. I wonder how much of me has changed, not just my physical appear- ance, but my views and feelings. I really hope that moving out is a good experience for me. August 5, 1999 OK, so I'm a procrastinator--I'm a little behind on packing. VVho knew it would take so long? In just less than 24 hours I'll be sleeping in my own apartment. The thought hasn't sunk into my brain yet...I'm moving out. August 10, 1999 When I first moved into my apartment, my family drove me crazy helping me move in. I know they were trying to be nice, and I know they are going to miss me, but I just wanted to be alone. The next few days I missed them a lot, especially since my roommate, Margaret, forgot to call the phone company, so we have no phone line. August 17, 1999 I walked to some of my classes up on campus today. I have plenty of time to get to my classes, except on Mondays and Wednesdays. I have to get to Wescoe from the Spencer Art Museum in 10 minutes. My legs are going to be stronger by the end of the semester. I8 baby jay W August 19, 1999 Books are expensive. KU is sucking me dry and some of my books are huge--good lord. Tomorrow is the first day of classes...I'm scared. I'm not going to know anyone. I hope everything goes all right. August 20, 1999 Today was messed up. It wasn't a bad day, just overwhelming. My first class was at 8:30 a.m., so I got up at 7:00 a.m. I got to the Lied Center, for Park and Ride, but I forgot my bus pass. No one bothered to tell me the bus was free for the first week, so I booked it from the Lied Center to Wescoe. I did it in 13 minutes, making me a little late for my math class. I'm hot and sweaty and the air-conditioning doesn't work in the classroom. During class, I checked my purse to see ifI could find my bus pass, and of course, it was there. Later on during the day I was on the bus and I asked the driver if the bus stopped at Frasier. He said it did and that all I had to do was to pull the string to get the bus to stop. So when the bus came close to my stop, I rang the bell-ring, ring, ring-very fast. Big mis- take!!! The bus driver yelled at the whole bus, telling us to never ring the bell cord that many times, or he would not make that stop. I was so embarrassed, August 21, 1999 I was talking with a girl in my History of Architecture class and she asked what year I was. I told her I was a freshman, so she asked what dorm I was living in. I don't live in a dorm, I live in an apartment with a roommate. She asked me why I didn't live in a dorm. For one thing, I need lots of space. I know you meet a lot of people in the dorms, but I love the stillness of my apartment. Also, I know Lawrence, because I've lived here all my life. She said she could understand, the dorms aren't for everyone. I'm so glad it's the week- end-I even took off of work. A couple of people are coming over to chill along with my boyfriend. I think it will be fun and relaxing, which is just what I need. f HERE 1 AM ON A STAIRWELL BEH1ND STRONG Hall, when I was on campus making sure I could find my classes.