For every student, there are givens. Problems like stress, money, excruciating hangovers and more excruciating roommates are all unavoidable parts of college life.

That is, until one woman stands up and says, “No!” No I will not live with unfriendly, slovenly, lazy roommates any longer! No, I will not put on my pants to go to the kitchen. And no, I don’t like your cats!

I’ve lived with a myriad of roommates over the past four years, beginning with the ironic hell of Dorm Life 2002.

For those who don’t know how it works, before students move into the residence halls they are asked to fill out a nifty little form describing all their likes and dislikes regarding living situations. This way every student can be paired with the best possible match, right? Right.

So obviously a freshman version of me (liberal, stubborn, 17-year-old partier) would make an ideal match for the Hispanic equivalent of the Virgin Mary (church three times a week, can’t wear pants, doesn’t allow boys in the room).

You can imagine the hilarious, odd-couple antics that ensued. Oh, that’s right, there weren’t any. We despised each other and at semester’s end I ran for the hills (the third floor to be exact), continuing the procession of roommates that would, in many ways, educate me over the years. Most roommates weren’t as extreme as good ol’ V. Mary, but each of them came with issues of their own.

I know I’m not the easiest person to live with. I’ve already mentioned my tendency to walk around in Sesame Street underwear; and, if you’re messy, I have a habit of passive-aggressively commenting on your inability to clean up.

So I decided to do the unthinkable and live all by myself. Sounds great, doesn’t it? But before you get green with envy and run to the realtor’s office, let’s discuss the reality of this situation.First, there was moving – again. Granted, I moved within the same apartment complex, but it’s still a pain in the ass.

Then there’s sleeping by yourself. I’m not afraid of being alone or anything, but once you start freaking yourself out by imagining that there’s someone behind the shower curtain or lurking in the shadows, it could be a long night.

Initially, in my excitement for the new living situation, I thought things like, “I love my alone time, this’ll be great.” and “Yay! I can decorate the whole place just the way I want.”

But it’s not all rainbows and sunshine.

I could never need as much alone time as this new apartment provides me. There is also nothing to do. There’s no TV (can’t afford it), no Internet (working on it) and no roommates to talk to or at least complain about.

And forget about decorating the way I want. That would require decorations and those require money. I didn’t even have more than one plate or bowl for two weeks, at which time I made a habit of eating straight out of the frying pan with one of my two forks.

Living on your own has some drawbacks but for me, no longer having the stress of living with strangers has made the move worthwhile.

If you’re thinking about making the transition for yourself, consider stocking your kitchen first.

Jen White can be reached at [email protected]