Many students across the U.S. every year debate on whether they believe they should live in the dormitories at the university or whether they should not. One thing that really needs to be taken into consideration is whether or not the community around the dormitories are providing the required resources in order to achieve academic success, to help students feel comfortable and to help them become social; all while having an enjoyable time. The resources around a dormitory are of crucial importance and that is one of the most substantial qualities to take into account before making such a significant decision. The study resources, entertainment, safety, convenience and academic support found while living on the North Campus is what makes living in the dormitory worthwhile at Arizona State University.
The main goal of the staff, community assistants and dormitory directors at Arizona State University is to see the residents of the North Campus excel academically and for that reason they have provided all the necessary resources in order to do so. There are study resources found inside the dormitories themselves and there are hubs that have been built to provide writing centers and tutors for students. There are people dedicated to help students, along with new technologies that have been provided by ASU, specifically for the residents inside of their halls. “Students living in dormitories have more opportunities and incentives to do well because they [are] more involved in campus activities, had more contact with faculty, did better academically and [are] more satisfied with college life” (Astin, 7).
The community assistants provide entertainment through events, meetings and challenges. They constantly provide holiday cheer by brightly decorating the walls of the buildings with banners, posters, calendars and props. Outside the dorm there are always fliers being posted of upcoming events, as well as events taking place outside. There are so many activities always happening inside the dormitories, the hubs and “the beach.” Being a resident brings forth many opportunities to become involved and to be informed about what is happening on campus at all times.
Safety is a main concern for everyone, especially while living on North Campus. The North Campus is filled with emergency buttons in case of emergencies and is always being watched after. The dormitories are always locked and are only accessible to residents with the proper passkey to ensure students safety.
The convenience of living on campus makes being a resident even more enjoyable. Everything is close by and everything is available. Food is available to students within walking distance. Tutors, resources and buildings are all close by making the overall community easily accessible to every resident. The location of North Campus is one of the best locations because it is located on a main street of the university and it is right next to the stadium. It is also across the street from the campus and connected by a bridge. It is easy to get to class, most importantly, and there is no hassle, nor traffic.
When thinking of dormitories most people automatically think of On the contrary, residential life goes far beyond that with its benefits and its resources found all around. A student living on campus will benefit in various aspects.
Students living on campus receive a substantial amount of support. Emotional support is something that is very much needed by residents. It can be stressful and overwhelming moving into a new place and meeting so many different people, however with the right support it can be easy and fun. The community assistants have been trained for several weeks prior to move in, in order to receive the training needed to help residents. They can help by giving advice and motivating. They help students by also redirecting them to other sources, which students may have not known were available.
Becoming and feeling apart of the Arizona State Community is important in so many ways. It can boost some ones self-esteem, help someone be friendlier and be a support as well. It can make a student feel involved, and help students feel productive. There are so many events, clubs, groups and sports available to students however it is so much easier to become involved if one is a resident. Students who live on campus can eat outside their dorm and meet new people, they can socialize in the cafeteria or inside the hub. There are so many more opportunities for residents, which makes living on campus very beneficial.
There is a multitude of personalities living in the dorms, making it vital for one to adjust. After living in the dorms it is evident that one can basically adjust to mostly anything because one has already shared their belongings, a room and their food. There are many different cultural backgrounds and much diversity in dormitories, along with people obtaining different morals and beliefs. It may be difficult to adjust however it does change a person by helping them reach further out than their comfort zones in order to become more familiar with the outside world. “[Someone is] better prepared to live and work within other types of communities, apartment complexes, retirement villages, sports teams, military or other service units, communities of worship, retreats, etc. [after living in a dormitory]” (DeVillers, 178).
North Campus provides all the necessary qualities and resources needed in order to be a successful student. Dormitories are well equipped and made specifically to integrate an academic and social environment for residents. The residence halls provide a great pathway for students to grow up and become adults in the “real world.” It is a good transition from living at home, to living alone and becoming completely independent. There is also a great support in knowing that all the residents are making this huge transition together and everyone is maturing and growing throughout the experience. This is of great significance because students need to feel at home, yet gain their independence all while receiving the “college experience”.
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