Dunn Hall in Hamilton Complex is one of many University Housing options for on-campus residents. Banners have been hung to welcome incoming students to their new homes.
Many students moving into the residence halls for the first time have one thing on their minds: freedom.
The experiences are new for many, as students live without their parents and with a building full of other students in the same situation.
Residence hall life can be one of the best experiences about college, but University Housing staff say it is critical for students to abide by the housing department’s guidelines for student conduct, or else residents could find themselves looking for that same freedom somewhere off-campus.
Each year, incoming residents sign a contract agreeing to follow the housing department’s policies. Even with this contract, many rules are violated.
“Generally, during the first week of dorm life, marijuana and alcohol usage in the hallways is a typical violation,” said Director of Resident Life Sandy Schoonover.
According to the contract, residents 21-years-of-age or older not living in the Substance-Free Hall may consume alcohol in the privacy of their rooms with the doors closed. Parties in the residence halls are not permitted in rooms if they break noise regulations or the policies regarding alcohol and drug use.
“My best advise to incoming students would be that you can have fun, but be aware and conscious of your alcohol consumption in the dormitory, go somewhere else to party,” said Heather Charelton, a junior who lived in a residence hall.
Schoonover said another common violation is excessive noise in the residence halls.
“Noise is probably our biggest problem throughout the first few weeks because classes have not become that demanding and residents are excited about being at the University for the first time,” she said.
In an attempt to discourage excessive noise, Schoonover said the housing department created “respect agreements” this year. These agreements are essentially a contract signed by residents asking them to be courteous to other residents and the resident assistants.
“We would basically like students to respect others and at the same time become more involved in their community,” Schoonover said.
The residence hall contract also contains policies regarding “quiet hours.” For most halls, these hours are Sunday through Thursday, 10 p.m. to 10 a.m., Friday and Saturday, midnight to 12 p.m. These hours vary during dead week and finals week. Intensive academic and quiet halls also have different noise restrictions.
“It can be really exciting to be on your own for the first time in your life and meeting new people,” said former resident and junior Andrea Rodriguez. “But the quiet hours are important and you’ll appreciate them during finals week when you really need to concentrate.”