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Talk surrounding living in residence halls, for some reason or another, has come to warrant the same reaction from people that one might expect to hear at a funeral. “Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss.” But honestly, your time living in the residence halls just might be the most insightful and beneficial of your life.

1. Study, Study, Study!
If you didn’t know, dorms come equipped with their own informal learning communities. Each member of that community is a valuable asset for you to use. Didn’t quite understand the lecture your professor gave? Aren’t sure how to prepare for an upcoming exam? There is a high probability that someone on your floor is taking the same course (or has already taken it) and would be more than willing to help you out.

2. Leadership Opportunities
Many Iowa State Residence Halls offer opportunities for residents to get involved within their respective communities. Whether it is through floor-by-floor elections for leadership positions (Floor President, VP, Treasurer, etc.) or being a representative for your residence hall in council there are chances for everyone to be a voice.

3. More Than Enough Events
If you ever thought that there would be absolutely nothing to do in a residence hall, let me be the first to tell you that is far from the truth. Community Advisers go to great lengths to plan events out for not only their residents but for the entire residence hall. These events can range from pick-up games, pizza parties, competitive games between floors, and even glow-stick dances!

4. New Friendships
When you live in residence halls you meet people from different places and backgrounds; and this opens up many opportunities for the breaking down of barriers and experiencing different cultural perspectives. The residents of your floor form a family-like bond. It offers you a tight-knit support system as well that is unique to residence halls.

5. The Convenience
Every residence hall offers some level of convenience for their residents. Residence halls are typically more affordable than apartments, something incoming students should consider. Also, location wise most halls are in the center of campus life. Think of all the gas money you could save if you didn’t have to commute!

Posted by: Sylvina Walk