College Survival Advisor

Congratulations on your college acceptance. Mission accomplished. Now, it’s time to become proactive in an entirely different direction: Choosing a place to call home. Whether it is your first year in college, or you’re working on the five-year plan, expert insight, follows, with regard to various college living options; what might work for you; and the reasons why.

Freshman Year

First year students, read this section, carefully. This section could literally make or break your freshman year: Regardless of all external forces, live on campus your first year. Why? For one thing, transitions will come your way, fast and furious. College freshman must adapt to a whole new place, completely different people, and new responsibilities. Family structure is no more. Washing your clothes,  cleaning up after yourself, eating proper meals, waking up, going to sleep, getting exercise, managing your checkbook –it’s all up to you, now. Sure, this new found freedom is phenomenal, but it can come at a high price, if you forget why you’re there in the first place: An education, and, ultimately, a degree. It’s critical for college freshman to actively engage in the college setting. It helps, considerably, if you surround yourself with students who are going through the same trials and tribulations…and fun.

“Honors Floors”

Every college residence hall has what are typically called “Honors Floors.” Make it a point to inquire about this dorm living set-up. Basically, these areas or floors of a college dorm are associated with people of like minds: People who care about their quality of life and education. Most times, these dorm living areas enforce more stringent codes for peace and quiet. Likewise, there are often small libraries and study dens for late night studying, alone or in groups. Practically speaking, if you live with people who study, you will likely study more. If you live with people who pop the top off their first can of beer at noon, and go to bed at 3a.m., there’s a good chance you’ll end up doing the same…as often as possible, avoid the temptation.

Residence Halls or College Dorms

The factors involved in choosing the right college dorm are numerous. That’s why it pays to take a visit to your college campus. Figure it out before you move in, not vice-versa. Nothing will make a college student less productive than one who doesn’t feel a sense of home…if you can’t access a college visit make sure you do other forms of research. Most every learning institution will have a website with in-depth information and insight as to the types of dorms available. You may also request information, via mail, from a university’s department of student housing. This way, you’ll be able to make a well-informed decision. You might not find the place that makes you feel like “home-sweet-home,” but if you put in a little leg-work, chances are you’ll come pretty close.

Coed Dorms

Coed dorms, naturally, are dorms composed of male and female college students, co-habitating under the same “roof,” so to speak. In most cases, the dorms are split-off by floors or wings (men on one wing, and women on another). To a degree, this living environment requires maturity, understanding and respect for the opposite sex. Speaking in “politically correct” terms, it would be fair to say coed dorms are the most liberal campus living arrangement offered by university student housing departments. For the sake of practicality: If you are a serious male student, and females walking around day and night might serve as a serious distraction to your GPA and study habits, this situation isn’t for you. Same goes for females.

Same Sex Dorms

Same sex dorms are also referred to as all male and all female dorms. In this set-up, dorm life is more focused and conservative. Whether you make the college living decision on your own or you are taking pointers from your parents, it’s a matter of personal preference. You need to be happy and focused. When it comes to same-sex dorms, the rules are relatively strict with regard to bringing members of the opposite sex unto the premises. Typically, these dorms have check-in and check-out boards, so residential management is aware of guests in the dorm.

Scholarship Halls

Some universities offer scholarship halls. This living arrangement is offered on a part academic merit basis, along with financial aid qualification. Students who choose this form of living pay as much as $1800 less, each year, as opposed to students in residence halls. The application process for scholarship living is quite competitive, but it’s definitely worth investigating and applying for (The four year savings is significant).

International Halls

Sometimes college campuses build residential halls with a specific purpose, such as a university’s growing multicultural population. Often international dorms include dining halls that offer varieties of foods, pleasing to the pallets of various cultural groups. The fun thing about living in this situation is meeting students from around the world. This living situation is often a cultural education within itself! Students from Russia, Germany, Japan, Spain, The U.S and all around the world, converge,daily in the same residential hall. Here, students forge friendships and experience one another’s lifestyles.

Halls for The Arts

In this same arena, you might also find a dorm designed specifically for the creative arts. These halls are often equipped with amenities such as stages, art rooms, and small movie theaters. Many theater and art majors choose to live in a dorm of this style.

On-Campus Apartments

Some colleges have apartments located directly on campus. Obviously, there is little to no structure in this living arrangement, with the exception of security attendants. In some instances, college freshman are not allowed to choose this campus living arrangement, simply due to the critical nature of first-year living and the college transition process. The main drawback to this form of campus living is the complete lack of structure. College housing experts advise students save this form of living for junior and senior years. If you choose this form of campus living, make sure you’re ready to fend for yourself.

Sororities and Fraternities

This is a structured, philanthropic living situation that appeals to some, with its foundation based on the Greek democratic system of living. Within Greek chapters, amazing bonds of friendship are solidified through stellar focus on activities, events and parties. Each Greek Chapter places a strong focus on academics, philanthropic work and fundraisers. These functions provide tremendous resume-building opportunities.

As a freshman, depending on your individual style, sorority and fraternity living may be a great way to meet new friends, and become immediately involved on campus. Not to mention, the housing situation provides a solid sense of structure, with kitchens, meals, as well as a dorm mom who is there to look after the house. The key issue with this sort of arrangement is the school of thought that students might not get overall exposure to the campus community, outside the Greek system. To decide if Greek life is for you, attend “rush week.” Inquire with your college to find out when Greek Week initiates (usually it is two-weeks prior to the start of school).

Off-Campus Living

If you plan to live off-campus, best make it your junior, senior and graduate school years.  This is the last option for the college freshman. In addition to zero semblance of structure, students also must worry about commuting to class, building friendships, etc.  Last, but not least, the college experience is best experienced on campus, where one can step outside and directly interact with fellow students and friends. This is, after all, what the college experience is about.

Living at Home

Still enjoying dinners at home with mom and dad? This isn’t the best recommendation for spearheading adulthood and the college experience. With that said, financial matters and practicality sometimes take precedence. Still, try to save some money so you’ll have the chance to spend at least a couple of your college years under a different roof. The reason being, this will give you a different view of the world and it will allow you to test the bounds of your own judgment, responsibility and discipline. You have to get out on your own at a point in time, so college is a great test to see how you might adapt to the rigors of full-blown adulthood and the real world without mom and dad.

Roommate Search

Once you determine what living situation will make you thrive, it’s time to find a roommate. If you get the opportunity to fill out a roommate match form, explicitly request a bookworm-a real Einstein type. Here’s the reason why: Not only will you be spending time with someone who is academically enriching to your own life, but he or she will also provide you with many peaceful nights of sleep. When you want to escape, you can head down to the crazy dorm at the end of the hall. And, when you are drained, there, you will have your own quiet oasis, awaiting you, just down the hall.