In 1999, as the world prepared to bid farewell to the ’90s, a young university student found himself at a crossroads. While his peers transitioned into the corporate world, he was left grappling with academic challenges and personal upheavals. Yet, a silver lining appeared when his ex-girlfriend offered him the lease to a quaint three-bedroom house opposite the university—a dream share house that soon turned into an unexpected nightmare.
The house, though lacking modern comforts like heating or cooling, was a haven for students. With its op-shop vinyl jackets and stolen street signs, it embodied the carefree spirit of youth. The front veranda, adorned with couches, became a hub for reading, people-watching, and music. For the 21-year-old, whose name was now on the lease, it was a dream come true.
Finding housemates was easy. The central location meant students could roll out of bed and head to class without shoes. The first to join was Mick, a clean-cut commerce student, followed by Sarah, a science student longing for a change from residential college life. However, Sarah’s stay was short-lived, and soon Will, a history student and DJ, took her place.
The Unraveling of a Dream
Initially, the house thrived. Will’s love for music and Mick’s dedication to fitness created a lively atmosphere. But soon, a new element disrupted the harmony. Mick introduced a bucket bong—a homemade device that soon became a permanent fixture in the living room. With it came Gary, Mick’s friend, who turned the couch into his permanent residence.
The house, once a sanctuary of student life, transformed into a den for bodybuilding stoners. The morning ritual of bucket bongs replaced coffee, and the living room filled with water-filled buckets. The kitchen, meanwhile, was overtaken by protein powders, and paranoia crept in as housemates hoarded toilet paper in their rooms.
“As the water-filled buckets in the living room multiplied, and protein powders filled the kitchen, the level of paranoia rose.”
Struggles and Reflections
With his studies at stake, the student sought refuge in his ex-girlfriend’s house down the road. There, amidst episodes of Charmed and copious amounts of coffee, he managed to complete his final project, much to his supervisor’s surprise. Yet, the situation at the share house remained untenable.
The decision to relinquish the lease was inevitable. None of the housemates wanted the responsibility, leading to the disbandment of the household. The year ended with the student cleaning out the house, hoping to recover enough of the bond to celebrate New Year’s in Sydney.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
As the millennium dawned under the Harbour Bridge, surrounded by a million hopeful faces, the student reflected on the tumultuous year. Two weeks later, he had cut his hair and donned a tie, ready to embrace the next chapter of his life.
This personal tale of a dream turned nightmare is more than just a story of student life. It highlights the challenges and unpredictability of shared living, a rite of passage for many young adults. The experience, though fraught with difficulties, offered invaluable lessons in resilience and adaptability.
Damien Nowicki, now The Age’s deputy opinion editor, shared this story as part of a summer opinion series exploring transformative years in writers’ lives. His reflections serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and the growth that often arises from adversity.
