7 Tips For Living on Campus
Being a first-year student can feel intimidating at first, but the friends you meet along the way make all the difference in easing those early college jitters. Some of the best parts of the first-year experience are living in a residence hall, hanging out with friends, and having the Caf just steps from your door. Here are a few tips to help make your first year at Mercer unforgettable!
1. Get to know your RA and PA.
During the first few weeks of school, you might see your RA (Resident Advisor) and PA (Peer Advisor) constantly, but that’s because they genuinely want to help you settle in. And you should be their friend! Your RA and PA are great go-to people about anything and everything for your first few months on campus. They will be available 24/7, so don’t forget about them.
2. Your parents aren’t right down the hall.
One of the most exciting parts of starting college is finally getting some independence and moving away from home. The freedom is awesome, but don’t be surprised if you miss your parents more than expected. You’re learning how to live independently, and the good news is your family is always just a phone call away.
3. Share your room.
If you’ve had your own room for a while, sharing a space with someone new might be an adjustment. But with a little effort, your roommate could become one of your closest friends at Mercer! Make sure to divide the space fairly, bring a few storage bins to help keep things tidy, and keep your laundry on your side of the room!
4. Communicate with your roommate.
This might be the most important piece of advice for your freshman year: communicate with your roommate! Open and honest communication is key, whether you’ve known each other since high school or just connected on Instagram or ZeeMee a few weeks ago. If something is bothering you, like them helping themselves to your snacks, talk about it. You’ll share a space and spend a lot of time together, so don’t be afraid to speak up and build a solid, respectful friendship.
5. Be flexible with your roommate.
One way to make living with your roommate much easier is by knowing each other’s schedules. If you have an 8 a.m. and they don’t have class until noon, try to keep things quiet while you’re getting ready in the morning. Hopefully, they’ll do the same for you. Swapping class schedules on the first day is a great way to set expectations early. Sleep is valuable in college, so being mindful of each other’s routines can make a big difference.
6. Bring snacks.
Even though it might seem like you’ll never get tired of the Caf or Chick-fil-A, having a few snacks on hand is always a good idea. College classics like Ramen, Easy Mac, and PB&J come in clutch when you want to mix things up. Just keep things balanced—“Fried Chicken Wednesdays” at the Caf are legendary.
7. Make your room your home.
Mercer will be your home for the next four years, and making your first-year room feel like home can make all the difference. Bring photos, decorations, books, or anything else that brings comfort and joy. These next four years will go by faster than you think, so soak up the slow days, cherish your friendships, and embrace every moment of being a Bear!
GO BEARS!
