Published: Aug. 21, 2017
Siblings help ²ÊÃñ±¦µä student during move-in 2016

Living on campus? Here are 15Ìýtips to makeÌýthe most of your residence hall experience all year long.

Acclimating to your new home

  • Student spending alone time in dorm roomDon’t drop your old connections. Continue talking with your high school buddies while you're in the process of making new friends.
  • Leave your door open. To meet other people in your residence hall, consider leaving your room door open.
  • Take time for yourself. It's okay to spend some qualityÌýtime alone;Ìýthe first few weeks are crazy!
  • Know that it's okay to eat lunch alone—you'll notice plenty of other people do it, too.
  • Get to know people in your classes by forming study groups or inviting a classmate to get coffee after class.
  • Step out of your comfort zone. Go to events, regardless of how cheesy or ridiculous they sound! You may be surprised to find interest in a clubÌýor program you wouldn't necessarily have considered on your own.

Living with roommatesÌý

  • New roommates settle in after move-inStart with an icebreaker.ÌýIf you can, find your new roommate(s) on Facebook and message them prior to moving in to help ease any awkwardness. On move-in day, focus on unpacking and setting up your room together. Ask questions to learn about each other and discover shared interests.
  • Establish some ground rules—get the not so fun part out of the way.
  • Explore campus together. Check out a campus eventÌýor sign up for a clubÌýthat interests you both.
  • Venture off campus. Grab lunch on The Hill or find your go-to off-campus coffee shop.
  • Be patient. Working things out withÌýsomeone new takes time.

Programs and resources

  • Introductory BBQ for Communications RAP students at Buckingham residence hallMeet your RA and hall director—they can help you get involved.
  • Become aware of your resources (you have a lot!)ÌýA good place to start is the . There is also free academic support through theÌý.
  • Participate in hall programming. Join your hallmates forÌýcommunity-building activities and events right in your own hall.
  • Get involved in your on-campus community by joiningÌýÌý(part of theÌý),Ìýthe Golden Buffalo Chapter of the Ìýor a year-long .