The unexpected joys of life at Brown
It’s almost impossible to come to Brown without some expectations. We all had high hopes to meet tons of new friends, go wild at parties, or simply become the greatest and newly improved version of ourselves. These are the ideas that color most of our thoughts first semester. Am I doing college right? What am I missing out on? Second semester, however, gives us a little more time for reflection about the smaller things that, without our even noticing, have slowly become a part of our daily routines. These are the things that move our lives from the stereotypical what-college-is-supposed-to-be to actual, everyday experiences.Now, a few weeks into second semester, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about how familiarity doesn’t happen all at once, but seeps into our lives bit by bit. The actions we once stressed over endlessly suddenly became habit. I don’t have to pull up a map every time I need to get to a new building (usually), and I don’t only try to go to the V-Dub during the hours when it’s closed. Even more than that, it’s the trivial things I’ve become so accustomed to that took me by surprise. As many have said before me, it’s all in the details. So here are a few of the little things, the unexpected joys of life at Brown.
- When food at Andrews Commons adds up to exactly $7.30.
There is an inexplicable satisfaction that comes with ordering the perfect amount of food. Watching those numbers on the scale slowly come to a stop at that golden number is truly a source of pride.
- When a washing machine is free on a Sunday night.
Before coming to college, most of us either never gave a second thought to our laundry, or, at the least, had a washer and dryer to use when we needed it. It never occurred to me that once I finally summoned all of my energy to do my laundry, I might not even be able to do it, because apparently everyone else also gets a jolt of laundry energy on Sunday night. But sometimes, there are those rare nights when a beautiful machine is magically empty, waiting for you.
- Going on Banner and seeing one spot available in your dream class.
By second semester, we have begun to learn more about the joys (and horrors) of shopping period. Especially the struggle of the waitlist. You discover the perfect class a little too late, and that “0 out of 20 seats available” seems to taunt you. However, the fates occasionally work in your favor, and you happen to log on the moment someone drops. That feeling as you register is unparalleled.
- Arriving at the Blue Room just as they put out fresh muffins.
We all heard about the famous Blue Room muffins pretty much as soon as we arrived at Brown, but what we later found out was that, while they’re always good, a warm muffin is great. The best is when you don’t know that the normal muffin you’re expecting is actually fresh, and then you feel that warmth in your hands as you reach over the counter. That we can’t eat them as we’re waiting to pay [Editor's note: we can't? Oops.] is a cruel and unusual punishment.
- Getting a booth in the Blue Room.
Little did we know when we got here that free Blue Room booths would be quite so rare. After a lot of awkward lingering as people slowly pack up their backpacks, leading to sneakily edging your way in, maybe you’ll succeed. And that success is worth all the wait.
- Providence sunsets.
I have become convinced that there is something in the Providence air or sky or atmosphere or something that makes its sunsets extraordinarily beautiful (and prime Insta material).
- Post-party hallway talks.
Everyone expects crazy parties filled with sticky beer pong tables and way too many people dancing and shouting, but what most people don’t think about is what you do afterward. Often, I’ll end up with a few friends sitting in the hallway, barely able to keep our eyes open but not quite ready to go to bed, either. These moments are always my favorite part of the night, the moments when I realize college isn’t just an expectation or an idea anymore, but my life.Image via.