The How-tos and What-fors of
HOUSING Residence life...There is nothing quite like it. After years of living with your parents (and maybe an annoying sibling or two), the freedom of living on your own may seem like an attractive proposition. However, for others, the thought of living in a small space with a person you may be meeting for the first time doesn’t have the same appeal. And small spaces can be pretty small. Rooms can range in size, but most average less than 150 square feet. Most rooms will have two beds, two desks, and two closets. Some might even include a microwave and microfridge. However, you may have to provide your own appliances, so be sure to ask an admissions counselor what each room provides. And, keep in mind that in many cases not all residence halls, even on the same campus, are made exactly alike. The style and amenities can vary from residence hall to residence hall. Part of the admissions process is completing a housing application. Schools typically require students to pay a housing deposit that can range between $50 and $75. Some colleges and universities time-stamp their admissions applications for priority housing, while others only require students to be admitted by early October.
“It’s important to apply early for housing to ensure that you can get one of your top preferences when it comes to residence halls,” said Anetra Yearwood, former Jackson State University resident advisor. “In most cases, the sooner you apply the sooner you will get an assignment.” If you live on campus, you’re assigned a room and a roommate, and need to follow rules for visitation, quiet hours, bathroom etiquette, and other areas. “When you understand all the rules of a residence hall, you minimize your chance of getting a fine and increase your chance of making lasting positive impressions with housing staff,” added Yearwood. “Positive relationships with housing staff will work in your favor if you ever consider becoming a resident
advisor.” Being a resident advisor, or RA, is an option that many students may want to pursue if they live on campus as a sophomore, junior, or senior. RAs are trained to work with students, live in residence halls, act as role models to other students, counsel students, and help enforce dorm policies. RAs typically have their housing paid for and may also receive a stipend.
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BENEFITS OF LIVING ON CAMPUS: • •
Closer to classrooms, so you can sleep in!
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You have a quiet/private place to go between classes. Commuter students have access to common study areas but no private place to relax between classes.
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Closer to the cafeteria or food court.
Fewer parking issues. Most students who live on campus park their cars and rarely touch them during the week. Commuter student may have to park farther off campus and lots can fill up quickly.
Meet new people within the residence hall.
OFF-CAMPUS BENEFITS: •
Residence halls require quiet hours. If you are a night owl, you can come and go as you wish.
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You are not required to have a meal plan.
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Sharing apartments/housing with multiple roommates can save money.
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Privacy — you can have your own bedroom.
You can have pets, which residence halls don’t typically allow
Eating meals — mealtime is whenever you want it. On-campus cafeterias may have set hours of operation.
