Residential Life
College life is all about getting by in the most affordable and functional ways possible. Here are some lessons from experience.
A fresh smelling room is important, so bring air fresheners.
Laundry piles up fast, it gets heavy, and chances are you’ll have to carry your clothes down a few floors for washing and drying. Have a laundry basket with wheels.
Regular crates are handy for storing all sorts of random things under your bed or in your closet. They can even make a table or chair.
A microwave will be your best friend when you’re hungry: Glass bowls are the best option for cooking safely. Always have Tupperware and zip lock bags to keep leftovers fresh, and the handiest, least messy way to clean dishes is to have a sponge/scrubber that contains soap in the handle.
Raised beds require assistance in getting up to mattress level. A step stool will help immensely.
Stick-on wall hanging strips do not work. Do not use them because you’ll probably end up getting charged for damages, despite their makers’ promises that they are easy to remove and mark free.
Chances are, you’ll have more than one key to worry about, and the easiest way to distinguish those keys is to color-code them using nail polish or washer tape.
Always have the on-call residential assistant’s phone number saved in your phone for when you get locked out or in a situation that requires the RA’s presence.
And finally, absolutely: Do not be afraid to reach out and meet new people. Chances are you aren’t the only person looking to make new friends. The best things you can bring to college are a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a mindset that is open to new experiences and people.
