By Alex Hart, Resident Director, Henley Hall
Move-in day is probably one of the most exciting, nerve-racking experiences you will have on your journey as a Chapman student. The nervousness about meeting your new roommates, suitemates, floor-mates, and Fenestra Forum is somehow both energizing and exhausting at the same time. While first year housing is separated by college, there is pride that comes with which residence hall you are placed in that will be carried for the remainder of your time at Chapman. Here are some tips I have learned from experience.
When shopping for items, pick out only what you will need. On move-in day, you will see so many brand new items, and boxes of things, which at the end of the year are thrown away or donated. Consider what you may need for the first day, and then buy what you need throughout your first semester. Remember, whatever you bring with you, you have to move-out at the end of the year. Talk with your new roommates about what they are planning to bring. You may find that sharing items will be beneficial for all instead of having three of the same identical things.
Get to know your roommates before you move in. Discuss with your roommates your fears, expectations, and what they hope to get out of this experience living in a new place and environment. Begin the discussion about how you handle conflicts and remember how to compromise on the living situation throughout the year. The more you communicate the better your experience will be.
On move-in day and through orientation, get to know your Resident Advisor and Orientation Leader. These student leaders are invested in making your transition to college as easy as possible. They are in these positions because they enjoy working with people, and they want to get to know you. If you have a problem, it is perfectly fine to talk with them. Lean on their experience and knowledge.
If you are not living on campus, there are many ways you can still be involved.Walking around the residence halls, going to Starbucks or one the many options in the Student Union in Argyros Forum and striking up conversations with people helps you find others who are also commuting. Join one of the many clubs on campus around a shared interest and invest time attending their programs. The connections you make with others will help you to create a more meaningful experience.
I always say the same thing each year; avoid hanging out in your room or at home the first two weeks of the year. That new Netflix show will still be waiting for you later in the semester; your new items will still be in your room waiting to be used, but the connections you will make with other people could last a lifetime. Consider inviting people to go to Randall Dining Commons with you, or walking to the Orange Circle to grab a coffee. These connections will bring you a support system throughout your entire experience here at Chapman.
Though I did not attend Chapman University, my move-in day was a day I will never forget. I was excited to meet new people, nervous to be sharing a room with someone I did not know, and optimistic that I was taking a step to better myself for the new challenge I was taking on. As you read this, you may be feeling some of these same feelings. I hope you know you are not alone. There are individuals that are here to help you. Please reach out to your Resident Director, Resident Advisor, or Orientation Leader, or any other faculty or staff throughout the year whenever you need help.
Welcome Class of 2021!
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