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The Future
Is Yours To Create: Successfully Transitioning to Residence Hall Living Living on
campus promises to be both a rewarding and challenging experience. While
living on campus you will be given numerous opportunities to grow intellectually
and emotionally as well as develop relationships with individuals from
a variety of backgrounds. It is important that you prepare in advance
for the transitional issues that you will face, particularly during your
first term or semester, so that you will maximize your chances for success
both inside and out of the classroom. While on campus there are plenty
of resources and individuals to assist you in making this transition and
it is up to you to make use of them. Many students wait too long to ask
for help or to get questions or concerns answered. You are responsible
for your own experience and for creating your future so we are going to
provide you with the tips to assist you in making your mark. Taking
the Mystery out of Move-in Day Understanding
yourself, your likes, dislikes, quirky habits, etc is a good place to
start when we think of moving on campus. Everyone has things that they
need in their living environment to make them more comfortable i.e. VCR/television,
CD player, pillows, pictures, computer, etc. etc. You will want to make
sure to bring those things with you, as you will be creating a new home
for yourself but be sure to communicate with roommates or suitemates in
advance. Take the mystery out of move-in. If possible, take a trip down
to your new home in advance of move-in, maybe even meet your roommate
for lunch and have a get to know you session. Remember students that are
comfortable and prepared may be more successful. Special
Living Options Many colleges
and universities offer what is called, "theme living". Theme
living involves a group of students who choose to live together in a particular
section of a residence hall and are committed to the goals and requirements
of that living space. For example, many students nowadays are opting to
live on 24-hour quiet floors. They choose this option because they feel
that it will improve their chances of getting more work done and getting
better grades. Another example would be the option of living on a wellness
floor where students work together to maintain a substance free, healthy
and fit community. Although each residence hall typically has courtesy
(quiet hours) throughout the day and programs that are geared towards
wellness and healthy living, these floors have a round the clock approach.
If you are interested in a special living option you will need to inquire
prior to submitting your housing application. Generally, there is an additional
agreement for these living options, which will be sent with your housing
request documents. Transitions
for Transfer Students Some students
may feel it is easier to make the transition to a residence hall if you
are transfer student from another living experience at a different college.
That is not always true because many transfer students need to take extra
time in learning the "new ropes" in their new environment. They
may be used to a certain set of community standards with which they are
more familiar and now all of that will change. It is important to become
aware of what is different prior to turning in your housing request document
so that you are better able to determine if you are able to abide by the
new community standards. Finally, most housing departments allow residents
to choose their roommates, even if you do not have a specific roommate
in mind if might be a good idea to request that you are placed with another
transfer student so that you will both be experiencing the same type of
transition issues. Safety
First and Always Even though
your residence hall may have 24-hour security coverage or some type of
monitored access, you need to be aware that you are responsible for managing
your own safety and security. Below are tips that will be most helpful
in ensuring that your college experience will not be interrupted.
Who Knows
What, Where, When & Why You’re
Resident Assistant staff that’s who! RA’s on your floor are
students trained to assist you in making the most out of your residence
hall experience. If you have a question, ask them, if you have a problem,
tell them, if you have a suggestion, give it. Too many residents do not
fully utilize the staff within their residence hall, they feel awkward
asking for help or stating a concern. The Neighborhood A residence hall is very much like a small community. Successful community living takes a lot of time and effort on the part of the community leader and its members. It is up to you to get to know and take part in your community, if you do you will be happier and more at ease. So attend meetings when they are held they are usually short and provide free food. Become a participant in floor or building activities, stay on campus on the weekends, make suggestions on how to make your community better, or even become a community representative. Always remember you only get out of your community what you are willing to put into it.
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