Tips for Dorm life from a previous R.A.
Written by Anne Treadwell
Living on campus at James Madison University is both really exciting and really challenging. For many of you, this is your first time living away from your parents for a long stretch of time. You will suddenly need to learn how to live with a roommate, how to balance classes and a social life, and how to make friends in a new environment. My goal is to give you some tips on how to survive this first year at JMU as a freshman living on campus. I have lived on campus for the past two years (one as a resident, the other as an RA), so I wish to impart the wisdom I have learned to you.
Tip #1 - Leave your room
By far, the most common complaint I received from my residents was that they felt their roommate never left the room. Many people need time by themselves to recharge energy, a thing that is hard to come by when they feel their room is constantly filled with someone else. Yes, this is a shared space and alone time can not always be granted. However, you will inevitably have a better relationship with your roommate if you give them the room to themself for a few hours every week. Plus, leaving the room gives you an opportunity to explore campus, make friends, and enjoy beautiful Harrisonburg.
Tip #2 - Find community somewhere
Hang out in your dorm’s common spaces, join a club or org, or get to know your classmates. It is important for you to find friends somewhere on campus. The friendships I’ve formed at JMU have been the best part of my time at college. It may take some time, but there are so many people who go here, you are bound to find some like-minded individuals. And hey, if you’re looking for some good Christian friends, we’d love to see you at the BCM (we meet for Bible Study on Thursdays at 8pm).
Tip #3 - Buy a doorstop
Many of the doors in the dorms do not stay open without an external doorstop. Purchasing one of these before move-in can be extremely beneficial, especially during your first few weeks of college. Not only will it be helpful during move-in as you’re bringing things into the room, but it also is helpful when trying to connect with people on your floor. I remember keeping my door open those first few days after move-in and using that as a chance to get to meet the people on my floor. Some people stopped by the room, asked if I wanted to play cards and hang out, and I said yes. We never became close friends, but who cares. I was open and got to meet some cool new people who I could say hey to in the halls throughout the year.
Tip #4 - Know your resources
JMU really tries to be there for you when you need it. Whether it be emotional support through their free counseling sessions in the Health Center or the Resident Advisers (RAs) in your hall, or academic support through Madison Peer Advisors (MAPs) or Learning Centers, PASS sessions, and Office Hours, JMU is there for you. I’d encourage you to look at the JMU website page titled “Student Services and Learning Resources” to find all the ways the University can help you as well as check the syllabuses your professors post in Canvas. Additionally, your RA will be trained on the resources provided, so you can go to them and ask for help at any time and they’d be happy to help.
Tip #5 - Communicate with your roommate
Set boundaries early on and stick to them. If something comes up, if you have a friend staying over for the weekend, if you need to take an exam in the room, or if something has been bothering you, say something. Don’t let issues linger. The longer you stew in your discomfort, the more you’re going to hate your roommate. And it sucks to have a poor relationship with your roommate (as many of my friends can attest to). Remain mature and keep open and honest communication flowing in your relationship with your roommate. Y’all don’t have to be best friends, but you should be cordial and respectful towards one another.
