First Year Residential Experience
Goals & Purpose
The vision of the First Year Neighborhood is to provide support, opportunities, and belonging to ease the transition into college as each first-year acclimates to life as an Ole. Our mission is for each student to understand and utilize the supports, resources, and opportunities for growth available to them through engagement in our community, academic success, and connection to our campus and each other.
Tips for Success in Residential Living
Doing Your Own Laundry
While some of you may have experience doing your own laundry already, not everybody has and that’s OK! College is a time for learning and growth in all different areas- not just academics. Maybe you are feeling a little nervous about doing your own laundry or sharing a laundry space with so many other people, maybe you are feeling excited to take on this task and do it how you want. No matter what you are feeling, we are here to help guide and empower you to take on this task with confidence.
Sharing Spaces with Others
Living on a residential campus means sharing spaces with roommates and hallmates. For many Oles, this may be the first time living away from family and sharing a room. Adjusting to shared spaces can be challenging, but that is what college is about: overcoming challenges and growing from them.
Giving and Receiving Feedback
In order to live in community with others, whether your roommate or hallmate, there will be situations where you need to give and receive feedback. If the idea makes you feel nervous or like it’ll never happen, it’s ok to feel that way, and it will happen. Feedback isn’t bad; it is helpful and leads to stronger relationships.
Asking for Help
College is a big adjustment! You may be living away from home for the first time, you may be an international student in the US for the first time, or your family might be out of state. No matter where home is, it’s new for all Oles to live on The Hill their first year. So, not only are you getting used to a new living environment, you also now have more intense class loads, you have more independence, you are the sole manager of your schedule, and you are making new friends and learning who you are. It’s a lot, and it is more than ok to ask for help.
Dealing with Homesickness
The newness of college has started to dwindle, you’re regularly doing things outside of your comfort zone, your class load has been increasing, and now you’re starting to feel a little homesick. It is normal and valid to feel homesick and you are not alone in those feelings! Feeling homesick doesn’t mean that you don’t belong here at St. Olaf or that you’re doing anything wrong, it just means you’re missing what you’re used to. Your friends in Residence Life are here for you to support you no matter how you are feeling.
Managing Your Schedule
You have many exciting opportunities coming your way as you begin your college journey. You’ll participate in fun programs in the Residence Hall, join clubs and organizations, and take classes you love. With all of that, you will also need to manage your time and schedule well to stay successful during your time on the Hill.
Communicating with Others
This might feel a little silly. You’re probably thinking, “I communicate with people all the time!” In a sense you’re right, but you will communicate in ways very different from what you’re used to. How you communicate with your family will differ from how you communicate with your roommate, RA, or professors. Some of it will take practice, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities to communicate with others!
Who is ResLife?
You’ve officially made it to The Hill and we are so glad you are here! You probably are aware of who your professors are and their role in your day to day life. But who are these people in “Residence Life” or “ResLife”?