8. University Dormitory

The cold wind blew on Xavier as he walked to the Cambridge University Housing Office. He had come this far, but he still hadn't found a place to live. Most of the houses he had seen were either too expensive or very different from what they looked like in the photos. There was only one option left:

The dormitory.

The building looked old but solid from the outside. This building with its history had seen countless students. As Xavier pushed the door open, the hot air hit him in the face. At the entrance was a small reception area. Behind the desk sat a woman with round glasses and a serious look.

Xavier spoke softly but firmly. "Hello, I'm Xavier Candlelight. I would like to apply for a room in the dormitory."

The woman pushed her glasses up slightly and looked at the computer screen. "Student ID?"

Xavier took the admission papers and student ID out of his pocket and handed them to the woman. The woman nodded after checking the documents carefully.

"You are a new student at Cambridge University. Normally you have to apply for a dormitory before you arrive, but we still have some rooms available. However, the single rooms are full. If you want to stay, you will have a roommate."

Xavier took a deep breath. He would have preferred to live alone, but he had no choice. The important thing was to find a place to stay. "No problem," he said briefly and clearly.

After pressing a few keys, the woman took one of the papers in front of her and handed it to him. "Here are the dormitory rules and the housing contract. The monthly rent is written here. You have to pay it the first week of every month. Food and drinks are not included, but you can use the common kitchen."

Xavier looked at the document quickly. The price was much cheaper than a house, but the biggest problem was that Elliot couldn't come here. He was upset, but he didn't show it. After he had signed it, he handed it back to her.

The woman nodded and gave him a key. "This is your new address. Your room is on the third floor, number 306. You can move your things there."

He thanked her briefly as he took the key and went to his room. As he climbed the stairs, he was still thinking about Elliot. He had hoped to prepare a place for him to come here. But this place was not big enough for both of them.

When he reached her room, he took a deep breath and opened the door. It was quite simple inside. There were two beds, two tables, a cupboard and a small chair in front of the window. He would stay here for a long time.

He put his suitcase on the bed and went to the window. He could see the old buildings of Cambridge and students riding their bikes outside. This was his new life. But something was missing. Without Elliot, this place wouldn't feel like home in the true sense of the word.

Xavier unzipped his suitcase and began to unpack carefully. He arranged his books on the table and put his clothes in the closet. The room was small and simple, but at least it was tidy. He looked at the chair in front of the window. This might be a good place to study in the evenings.

He sat down on his bed and heard the springs creak slightly. He felt a little lonely, but he didn't mind. Now he had to get used to this place.

The door opened and a tall, blond boy entered. He looked a bit disheveled, probably his roommate. He put down the bag in his hand and looked at Xavier briefly.

"You're new, aren't you?" he asked with a smile.

Xavier nodded. "Yes. Xavier."

The boy held out his hand. "I'm Noah. Welcome."

Xavier shook his hand. Noah seemed friendly and relaxed. He didn't seem to be a bad person.

As Noah sat on his bed and looked through his bag, Xavier looked at his roommate. He seemed energetic and friendly. Xavier thought this might be a bit of a change for him. He was not a person who liked to socialize.

In the first hours of living in the dormitory, he heard voices echoing in the hallway from outside. Students were talking to each other, some were laughing loudly, some were listening to music in their rooms. It was a small world where everyone was trying to fit in.

Noah suddenly turned to look at him. "Tonight the students usually gather in the common room. It's a good chance to get to know people. Do you want to come?"

Xavier thought for a moment. He didn't want to spend too much time with people, but at the same time he couldn't live here alone. He had to fit in.

"Maybe," he said with a shrug.

Noah smiled slightly. "It's up to you. But I'm sure you'll find something you like here."

Xavier smiled back at him. Deep inside he was curious what his life here would be like.

After politely declining Noah's offer, Xavier stayed in his room for a few minutes, looking around. He had noticed that the dormitory was not a quiet place. Voices echoed in the hallways, doors opened and closed, students tried to mingle... All of this made it hard for Xavier to feel like he belonged.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and quickly walked out of the room, passing through the common areas of the building. He ignored the groups chatting and the people leaning against tables laughing. Crowds weren't for him. He wanted silence.

As he opened the outer door and stepped out of the dormitory, the cold air hit his face. It was dusk, but the streetlights made everything seem warmer than it was. The atmosphere of the city at night was peaceful and full of history.

He began to walk around, getting to know the area. The sidewalks were made of old stones that were a little worn in places. He looked into the windows of old buildings and saw students studying inside and people sitting in the dim light. There was an academic sadness to this city.

As he approached the river, he watched the lights on the water. The silence was even more intense in this part of the city. He was away from the noise and that was good for him.

As he stood on the bridge and looked around, he saw a shadow. A stranger was approaching to share the same corner as him.