Welcome to the Babe Cave

Last year, I lived in a dorm room. This year, I live in the Babe Cave.

Let me just start off by stating that the Babe Cave is an extreme upgrade from North Complex, the freshman resident hall. I’m used to a small space and shared a room until I was a senior in high school, but this was a whole different situation. Imagine having to fit your bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and desk space into half of a tiny dorm room. I have a lot of stuff, so it was like doing one big puzzle.

This year however, I had more space than I knew what to do with.

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Adjusting to dorm life is an adventure. Going from having your own room and bathroom to a shared room and community bathroom takes some getting used to. Honestly, it’s not as bad as everyone makes it out to be, but I definitely count my blessings every time I use the shower in the Babe Cave. I don’t have to wear shoes or carry every item I need with me to the shower. I also don’t have the awkward “do I bring clothes to the shower” shuffle down the hallway, it’s just right outside my room.

Just to clarify, the Babe Cave is a four bedroom apartment with two bathrooms and a full kitchen right here on the USD campus. It’s part of residential housing, so needless to say I got a pretty sweet deal. It’s close to everything on campus, so I don’t have to take a hike to get anywhere. McFadden Hall is honestly the place to be.

One of my favorite features of the Babe Cave is the kitchen. Last year, I lived in Beede Hall on the third floor (which I miss now but wouldn’t go back). It was a co-ed floor, and approximately 80 awkward, confused freshman lived there. We had a community kitchen on our floor which is a nice idea, but not when no one knows how to cook. I can’t count how many times the fire alarm went off because someone burnt their macaroni and cheese, or clogged the drain with whatever concoction they were attempting to make. There was even a two month period where someone stole the toaster, so if anyone wanted toast, they would have to make friends with a person on another floor.

Although I have yet to make a five star meal in the Babe Cave kitchen, I do appreciate having the ability to cook on my own and use the dishwasher. The dishwasher really is a blessing. Last year, I would let my dishes pile up until I had used every last mug and spoon. This year, I just fill the dishwasher, push the button, and crack open a Diet Coke and watch Bachelor in Paradise.

The Babe Cave is also equipped with a small balcony, so I can go out and admire my breathtaking view of the overpacked parking lot. Sometimes if I'm lucky, I can catch a small glimpse of the sunset. It’s a nice idea in theory, but the door outside locks it shuts, so unless I want to take up extreme jumping or learn to pick locks with an earring, it’s not the best place to hang out. I’ve already locked myself out once when I was the only one home, and something tells me the resident assistant won’t be as kind if I do it again.

Since living in the Babe Cave, I have learned to appreciate having my own bedroom and a place to call home. I feel much more grown up saying, “I’m going to head back to my apartment,” than saying “I’m going back to the dorms.” I can picture myself last year, with my lanyard around my neck, terrified of losing my student ID and not being able to get in. This year, I roll up to McFadden Hall, take the one set of stairs and I’m home.

Every freshman has to experience living in the dorms. It’s just a part of going to college and it definitely comes with some memorable moments. Here are a few tidbits I’ve learned since living in the Babe Cave compared to the dorms:

1. For the love that all that is good, remember to leave the door to the balcony open or bring your key. Seriously, everyone will laugh and make fun of you when you get locked out time after time.

2. Easy Mac does not qualify as a healthy, balanced meal. It works when you only have a microwave, but now you have a full kitchen. Use it.

3. Utilize every inch of space you have. Enough said.

4. Savor every moment of alone time you have. You’re going to have roommates for a long time.

5. Welcome guests into the Babe Cave. It’s a privilege to be invited in.