Choosing a residence hall
Depending on the size of the
campus, you may be able to request a specific residence hall. But,
first, you need
to know what types of resident halls are available
so you can choose the right one for you. Here’s some information to help
you understand your residence hall choices.
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Most residence halls consist of a room for at least two people
to share. |
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Some halls have community bathrooms
that you’ll share
with other floor members. Other halls have suite-style rooms
with the bathroom adjoining two rooms so you share that space
with your roommate and your other two suite mates. |
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Some residence halls are single sex while some are co-ed. |
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Some halls are designated for particular majors, interests,
or hobbies. |
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Most college residence halls have
other additional amenities. There is usually a front desk
where you may have mail service
and you’ll be able to check out small appliances such
as a vacuum or an iron. |
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Many halls have a dining hall attached for easy convenience
at meal times. |
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Some have a television lounge, game room, and laundry facility. |
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Residence halls may have quiet areas where you can go and
get some homework done. |
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Each floor of a hall usually has a Resident Advisor (RA),
a student who provides supervision and support in exchange
for part of his or her room and board. |
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Ask currently enrolled
upperclassmen about the differences among the halls on campus.
Some halls will be better suited for you than others. Once
you know you’re going to enroll at a particular college,
you will be required to pay a housing deposit to reserve
your room.
What to Pack
Nothing gets you off to a better start than being prepared, whether that means
making sure your cellphone will work on campus or having a bathrobe appropriate
for a co-ed dorm. Obviously, what you pack will be affected by transportation,
how remote the campus is, the weather in the region, and more. But in general,
keep in mind:
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Follow the list the college provides.
If they say bring extra-long sheets, they mean it. |
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Bring clothes appropriate to the climate;
if the seasons vary, bring clothes you can layer. |
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Avoid bringing clothes that need dry
cleaning, hand washing, or ironing. It’s not likely
to happen. Also, make sure clothes won’t shrink
and colors won’t bleed onto other clothes in the
wash. |
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You need a waterproof container for
your toiletries—usually some sort of bucket with
holes in it for draining. Unless you have a bathroom
and shower to yourself, you’re going to be carting
around your soap, razor, shampoo, etc. |
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Pack cheap
flip-flop sandals to wear in the shower to prevent
infections. |
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If the bathroom is
down the hall, especially in a co-ed dorm, bring
a bathrobe. |
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If you can’t
live without your cellphone, check with your provider
to make sure you’ll have service on campus.
Get your own cellphone charger if you don't have
one already. |
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If you’re buying
a computer or printer to bring, find out about connectivity
and Internet options. |
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Bring extension cords,
especially if the school recommends appliances such
as lamps or fans. |
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Make sure you have
a reliable alarm clock and a wall calendar or datebook. |
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Dirty Laundry
Many new college students have never done their own laundry, no matter how much
they helped out at home. And not knowing how to do laundry is a good way to ruin
all your clothes—at a time when you may not have the money to replace them.
To avoid laundry disaster, be prepared:
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Find out how you pay for the laundry facilities—is
it a flat fee or should you bring quarters? |
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Ask if the campus provides an affordable laundry service
for sheets and towels. |
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Bring stain remover, laundry detergent, and dryer sheets
(or buy them at a discount store when you get there, and when you have
a car to haul them). |
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Get a bag or basket for storing dirty laundry and hauling
clean laundry. |
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Being
prepared to do laundry is half the battle. You also need
to find time to
do it—especially if you feel you need to baby-sit your washing machine
and dryer to make sure your clothes aren’t “borrowed.” Once
you’re ready to do laundry, remember:
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Sort it into three piles—darks,
whites, and colors. Darks are things like jeans and black
socks; whites are usually T-shirts (even with color on
them), sheets, and towels; colors are everything from
your gray sweatshirt to your khaki pants. |
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Wash whites in hot water; dark and
colors in cold water. |
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Anything new, especially in dark colors
or red, should be washed separately—at least the
first time. |
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Most of your college uniform—jeans,
T-shirts, sweatshirts—can go in the dryer along
with towels and sheets. |
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Check the label instructions on anything
made out of wool or silk. |
These instructions aren’t foolproof
for all the clothing and bedding out there. Check labels
and ask for advice—and don’t feel too bad if
you end up with pink-tinged socks at least once! |
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