My name is Yesenia Uribe, and I am a junior majoring in neuroscience and pre-medicine. As a current resident assistant, I wanted to share a few tricks and tips to living on campus that I’ve learned during my time at Lake Forest College.
Be adaptative/communicate: If this is your first time living with another person please be willing to compromise. One of the first tasks you and your roommate(s) should complete is the Roommate Agreement Form. Talk about expectations and rules that you would like to see followed. It is important that you all have that conversation as soon as possible. It will really pay off.
Do not be afraid to reach out to your Resident Assistant. They are there for YOU!: They go through training so they can learn how to best help you. Please know one of the reasons Resident Assistants decide to become one is because they are eager to guide fellow Foresters. Resident Assistants are equipped with skills that can be of assistance during a time of transition and change. They are also there to listen to you! If they do not have the answers, I promise they are thinking about who they can connect you to that does.
Go to programs that your Resident Assistants have developed for your Residence Hall: Resident Assistants come together with their Residence Director and think of creative and inclusive opportunities for residents to come together. I highly recommend that you go to them. It is a great way to meet other people living in your residence halls and also a great way to get to know your Resident Assistant. Plus, at most of them, there are always food and snacks available! What’s better than free food in college?
Most importantly, do not be afraid to be yourself: Your Residence Hall should be a place where you can feel comfortable. When communicating with your roommate, do not feel you need to shy away from who you are or how you feel. If you are not happy with how something is playing out within your community, Residence Hall, or room, please know there are people there to support you and help find solutions. As always, Lake Forest College is full of wonderful resources and people that are there to help you when needed.
If you have any questions about living on campus, please feel free to reach out to me at uribey@lakeforest.edu.