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.

1. Always lock your residence hall room door-no exceptions not even if you are going to the community bathroom or to take a shower.
2. Always carry your key and ID card with you.
3. Do not loan your key or ID card to anyone at anytime.
4. Know your surroundings! Use good judgement when traveling around campus.
5. Call for an escort to get you back to your hall at night.
6. If you are missing something in your room or on your person it is important to contact security immediately and file a report.
7. If you have a car on campus you may have to have it registered with the Security Office. Do not leave personal items visible in the inside of your car at any time.
8. If you have a bike, this may need to be registered and you will need to purchase your own lock and store your bike in the appropriate and specified location within or outside of your residence hall.
9. Never prop a door to your residence hall at anytime. All exit and entry doors stay locked for a reason-your safety.
10. You assume responsibility for your guests in the residence hall.
11. You or your parents/guardians may want to obtain personal property insurance. First, check whether your parent’s homeowners insurance covers your belongings at school. 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.