Dirty dorm tips: Top 10

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  For some, dormitories may conjure images of pizza boxes, trash and dirty laundry like a scene from "Animal House."

However far-fetched movie portrayals of college and military "dorm life" may be, adjusting to living in government quarters can be daunting or problematic for first-term Airmen living away from home.

Learning to navigate the many rules and regulations of living in dorms can be challenging for some, but it doesn't have to be with a few simple guidelines.

Here are the top 10 dorm do's and don'ts to help Airmen enjoy the most out of their time in Italy.

1. A little style can give a big smile. For some Airmen, this is your first place you're responsible for. It's yours, so make it personal. Decorate your room with posters, flags and pictures, all within Air Force guidelines. Items that degrade national or military leaders, disrespecting the flag or nation or depictions of drug abuse, intercourse or profanity are not authorized.

2. Dude, what's that smell? Improper food and garbage management can present all kinds of unwanted smells but also a serious health concern for Airmen. Residents are expected to keep food in sealed plastic containers, remove trash and garbage from rooms daily, and discard empty paper bags and boxes as quickly as possible to prevent attracting insects.

3. New country, new ways to throw away trash. Most European countries have strict laws on recycling and Italy is no different. Waste bins on base are labeled on what items can be thrown away in each bin. One wrong item thrown in the wrong recycling bin can cause the whole bin to become unrecyclable.

4. Shhhhhhhh! Remember, not all Airmen in the dorms work the same hours. Several Airmen who work different hours display signs on their doors stating the hours they work. It may be the middle of the day to you, but for them, it could be the middle of their night.

5. Pets are not allowed. You may miss Fido or Lassie, but any insects, rodents and other living things should not be kept in the dormitories. Whether you're inviting them in by leaving food on the floor or you just want to have a pet, they should not be in the dorms.

6. KEEP OUT laundry room predator. While using the laundry room services, it's important to be courteous to other people's belongings. Baskets, detergents and clothes that you did not buy, should not be touched. Airmen should keep in mind that occupying a dryer for several hours is disrespectful to other Airmen that may need to do laundry. It's easy to set a timer to know when clothes are dry and ready to be picked up.

7. "It was just a leak," you say as you stand in your flooded room. No matter how small the problem may be, all discrepancies in your room should be reported to dorm leadership immediately. If there is an emergency over the weekend, contact information is posted on the back of the door in your room.

8. Daily, Weekly, Monthly. Empty and clean waste cans daily. Sweep and mop room and common areas weekly. Dust air filters and defrost the refrigerator monthly.

9. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Although it is your room, Airmen should remember to be courteous and take care of the furniture dorm management has provided. By doing so, Airmen help save the Air Force from spending additional money to buy new items for future Airmen that will live in that room.

10. Tell him what he won! Airmen that follow the above tips and advice can potentially be rewarded for their hard work. Every quarter, one Airman from all the dormitories is selected for "Dorm of the Quarter". They are given a certificate and time off specified by their supervision.

The dormitories offer several conveniences and although it might not seem like it at times, the dorms are a privilege to live in. It gives Airmen an opportunity to solely focus on their job, but most importantly, a chance to meet other Airmen with different occupations.

For more tips and advice on the dormitories, please check the Unaccompanied Housing Resident manual that Airmen initially receive when moving in.