by PENNSYLVANIA – A Pennsylvania State University freshman’s viral TikTok post has brought the often chaotic experience of college roommates into the spotlight. The student, known as Elle (@elle.shmelle.2), shared her story about a troublesome roommate who not only used her vape pen without permission but also rifled through her personal belongings, igniting a widespread online conversation about college roommate boundaries and etiquette.
What began as an ordinary dorm assignment quickly escalated into a frustrating and bizarre ordeal that resonated with many students nationwide, shedding light on the challenges of freshman year living situations.
From First Impressions to Dorm Room Troubles
Elle described her initial impressions and how things deteriorated soon after move-in day. She recalled catching her roommate vaping excessively, leaving the room filled with smoke so thick it smelled like a “fruity gas station.” Despite warnings to open a window, the vaping continued unabated.
“She vaped so much that our room smelled like a fruity gas station. I was shocked the fire alarm didn’t go off,” Elle said.
Trust Broken: The Vape Pen Incident and Privacy Violations
The situation grew even stranger when Elle discovered her vape cartridge had been used without permission. She tried to hide it, but later caught her roommate rummaging through her stuff. The roommate admitted to using the vape and even offered to buy a replacement — then oddly tried to claim the original cartridge for herself.
“She said, ‘Hey Elle, can I maybe keep that one since I got you a new one?’ I was like — Christina, you’re crazy. No,” Elle recounted.
This incident sparked a flood of reactions on TikTok and other social media platforms, with many empathizing with Elle’s experience. Comments such as “Freshman year roomies are always the worst” and “If someone used my pen without asking, I’d go absolutely manic” highlighted the widespread nature of roommate conflicts.
Community Divide and Online Debate
While most agreed that invading personal space and stealing vape cartridges was unacceptable, some viewers questioned Elle’s initial harsh judgment based on her roommate’s appearance prior to meeting her. This added another layer to the discussion about perceptions and respect in college living spaces.
Resolution and Lessons Learned
Eventually, the roommate moved out without announcing her departure, leaving Elle relieved to reclaim her space. Elle ended her story by advising students to be cautious about dorm living:
- Lock up personal belongings
- Trust your instincts about roommates
- Consider investing in an air purifier to combat odors
Read Also: Woman Walks Out of Date After Weight Comment Sparks Controversy: Is She Too Sensitive?
Elle’s story, detailed further at Fat City Feed, serves as a relatable reminder for many college students about the unpredictability of living with strangers.
Why Roommate Stories Resonate So Deeply
For many, roommate dramas are almost a rite of passage during the formative college years. From trust issues to personality clashes, freshmen learn hard lessons in shared living situations:
- Random roommate assignments can lead to unpredictable conflicts
- Boundaries around personal items and privacy are often tested
- Overcoming these challenges is part of growing and gaining independence
As one commenter aptly put it, “Freshman year builds character—usually through trauma.”
What Do You Think?
Have you ever experienced a nightmare roommate scenario during college or elsewhere? What boundaries would you set to protect your space and belongings? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below!
