How to Use Proper Elevator Etiquette in a College Dormitory

Elevator etiquette in general is mostly based on common sense (as well as basic politeness). In a college dormitory, those rules still apply, but a few additional pointers might come in handy.

EditSteps

Always be decently clothed when using the elevator. Even though this might be a no-brainer to most people, students in college dorms often share communal bathrooms. Some people tend to travel to and from the shower with minimum coverage or less. Buy a cheap bathrobe that fits you and avoid the problem of accidental over-exposure.

Avoid excessive intoxication prior to stepping on an elevator. If you share an elevator with others while you are incredibly drunk, chances are it won't be a pleasant experience for your fellows. You may succumb to motion sickness or become overly "friendly". This is perceived as a real threat by most women. Be considerate.

Don't make messes in the elevator. Taking out the trash has to be done, but if you happen to drop garbage in the elevator or your garbage drips all over the place, go back after disposing of it and clean up the elevator with all-purpose cleaner and paper towels.

Don't hog the elevator. If you begin a conversation with someone on the elevator and they reach their floor, don't stand in the open elevator door and carry on your conversation. Step out with them, finish your talk (quietly), and then wait for the elevator. For one, everyone on that floor can probably hear you. Depending on the time of day or night, you could be bothering all the residents of that floor by having spirited discussions in the hallway. In addition, there are definitely people waiting on other floors for the elevator. Be aware that not everyone has the option to just take the stairs instead.

Be especially considerate when using the elevator at night. If you are a male, realize that women may regard you as potentially threatening, especially if you are tall/strong, intoxicated, and/or it is late at night. If a woman is in the elevator you have been waiting for, consider waiting and letting her ride alone. If you do choose to take the elevator, extend a polite greeting, maybe give her a quick smile, and then act calm and relaxed. This is perceived as reassuring. Try not to block the exit when she gets out.

Be quiet when exiting the elevator. This especially applies at nighttime. You might have had a great party and even be bringing people over to hang out in your room, but all of you should at least zip it until you reach the dorm room in question and the door is shut behind you, especially if it's 3 a.m. Shouting, screaming, raucous laughter, and running up or down hallways (especially in high heels, ladies) will echo around your floor and wake everyone up. You might not have to get up early, but other people still do. Don't be that kind of person.

EditWarnings

If someone keeps hanging around the elevator entrances and squeezing in whenever women get on the elevator, keep an eye on them and/or ask them where they live, especially if you are a guy. Women in easily accessible quarters have been attacked when entering their rooms and assaulted sexually. Letting someone know you have noticed them can discourage them and they might stop prowling around the area.

If someone is giving you a strange feeling, don't get on the elevator with them. Pat your pocket, get your phone out and act as if you're taking a call. Walk away from them and go outside, towards other people. Either return with others or actually call someone you know if you feel unsafe.