Let’s face it: college is about meeting new people.
From the minute you moved onto campus (particularly as a freshman or transfer), you were surrounded by a wave of unfamiliar faces, and like most people, were likely unsure of how to handle the situation.
For those of you living on campus, I suggest to you one important piece of advice: get to know your fellow residents.
Even if you live in one of the largest residents halls, there are plenty of ways for you to build a close, welcoming community within your floor or suite.
Here are some simple tips on how to bond with your neighbors:
Leave Your Door Open
I cannot stress this enough; it’s the first step to getting to know your neighbors. Nothing is more frustrating than a room that is always closed. You never get to put a face to the name, and would probably never know the person if you bumped into them anywhere else on campus. Having your door open also creates the opportunity for invitations to many of my other suggestions. So what do you do if no one stops by to introduce themselves? Take the initiative and make the visits yourself. You will definitely be glad that you did.
Television Viewing Parties
Find yourself glued to the TV every week for your favorite show(s)? Then you probably aren’t alone. See who else around you is just as big of a fan and plan to get together to watch. Much like movies, television seems to be all that much more enjoyable when viewed in a group setting.
Floor/Suite Dinners
Instead of trying to call up one of your friends on the opposite side of campus to get together for a meal (or even going by yourself), try asking the surrounding rooms if they’d like to join you. Not only will it give you the chance to get to know one another better, but you may just end up trying a new restaurant or dining hall that eventually becomes a favorite. An alternative? Have everyone chip in for a couple of pizzas and stay inside to chat.
Movie Night
If you are short on cash or just don’t feel like heading out to catch a new release, your lobby can be the perfect substitute. It’s highly unlikely that not a single person brought a collection of their favorite flicks along with them to college (don’t forget that there is always the front desk of your hall for more options), so pop some corn, grab a couple of sodas, and invite your floor/suite to movie night. Whether it’s an obscure indie film or one that you can all quote word for word (Mean Girls, anyone?), nothing beats bonding through the laughs, tears, and surprises that all come along with watching a good movie. If all goes well, you can even turn it into a weekly event.
Board Games
Ever played Apples to Apples with 20 people? It sounds insane, but the hilarity of the game is certainly amplified when you find yourself with an abundance of ridiculous cards. Other games such as Taboo, Pictionary, and Twister are perfect for groups, as well. It’s also a great way to forget about the stress of exams, papers, and deadlines for a while and take part in some simple, yet enjoyable entertainment.
Dry Erase Boards
By placing one on the outside of your door, you have to the potential to find yourself subject to a ridiculous collection of obscene comments and crude doodles, or more than likely, cheerful notes and jokes. Not only is it a great form of communication, but it can also be a nice laugh when you walk by your neighbor’s door of all male occupants and see “Enter, women’s changing room.”
Keep in mind, becoming familiar with your surrounding residents is not just a way to enhance your life on campus, but also help to ensure your safety. They (along with your roommates) can look out for one another’s well-being, and together you can work to make the residence life experience unforgettable.