Five Tips for Making the Transition to Campus Life

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 16, 2002) – The first night college students spend in campus housing is often their first experience of living independently.

And to help make that experience a positive one, college housing professionals recommend five tips to help make students prepared for the move.

1. Be certain belongings are covered by insurance.
"Make sure you have a personal insurance policy to cover belongings," said Roger Dickson, director of Residential Life at Tennessee Tech University. "Most homeowners' policies already have an addendum or can offer one at a low cost," he said. "If not, then students can also purchase personal renters' insurance.

2. Plan ahead.
Dickson recommends verifying with university housing officials the date and time residence halls open and reviewing the college's list of suggested items to bring along or leave at home.

3. Don't bring too much stuff.
"That doesn't mean their space shouldn't have a personal touch," he said. "Before you buy, check your current room. Bring posters or framed photographs, stuffed animals or even a favorite bedspread — anything to make your space feel and smell like home," he said. "Too much new stuff can evoke a sterile, institutional feeling."

4. Coordinate with roommates and set ground rules for chores and study.
Check with roommates to guard against each bringing duplicate items, such as microwaves or televisions. Call ahead and set common courtesy guidelines, such as how chores will be divided or what hours the television and radio are off-limits.

5. Get to know resident assistants and other housing staff.
"The resident assistants are students too. They started out where every other student starts out, and they've successfully managed to adapt to campus life. What better example can new students have than that?" Dickson said.
Taking those necessary precautions helps insure that moving day will be the fun experience it's meant to be.

"It's the beginning of campus life, and it's often the first step toward living independently. Moving — in spite of being hot, hectic and sometimes overwhelming — should ultimately be the kind of fun experience that brings to mind fond memories," Dickson said.

The day residence halls open at TTU, for example, has been termed the Great Move-In Day. Faculty, staff and other university employees volunteer to lend a hand to students who are moving to campus and at the same time can serve as a significant source of information about the university.

And the moving day should also be a source of joy — not anxiety — for parents, Dickson added.

"Parents should be confident that the guidance they've provided has prepared their child to live independently and realize that independence naturally brings opportunities for different experiences and growth," he said.

--Karen Lykins

This information posted 19 August 2002