Options Solutions Guest Student Blogger – The 5 Commandments of Residence Life

1. Apply for a single room.

I cannot stress this enough. I know when you are filling out that residence application you are thinking, “How will I make friends? I don’t want to be a loner.” Trust me, you will make more friends than you have time for and with a single room you cut your drama level by half, at least. Roommate drama is inevitable, distracting, and annoying.

2. Watch your back.

I’m not your mom or the police. It is your body and you decide what you put in it. However, remember that you aren’t in the basement of Josh, who you’ve known since grade 7. You are likely in a strange city, with strange people, in a strange environment. I saw several kids (especially girls) get themselves into a fair amount of trouble because they put themselves in vulnerable positions with complete strangers. Not everyone is your friend; be careful.

3. Get your Residence Fellow’s cell number.

This will come in handy around exam time. As kids on your floor start to finish exams, they will want to party—but you may still be in crunch time. If you are having a hard time focusing or sleeping, send your RF a text. They will deal with the situation and it is more anonymous than banging on their door.

4. Make friends on your floor, but don’t get too close.

Floor romances in residence happen a lot, but try to avoid them if you can. Nothing is worse than breaking up with someone you live with.

5. Don’t forget what you stand for.

You’ll get more respect by having a backbone, than caving to peer pressure, or trying to be someone you’re not.

@kinseypowell