Incoming freshmen often have many things to worry about in preparation for their first year away from home. They enter an environment that is often a completely different experience than what they are used to.
In an effort to help freshmen adjust, UTM has taken steps to assist new students and get them used to life on campus. One measure that the university has taken to help new students is requiring all students with less than 24 credit hours to live on campus.
According to the American Council on Education, “Students who live on campus have a 10 to 15 percent better chance of doing well in college than students living off campus.” Some of the reported benefits include better grades, initiative to take more credits and an attitude of perseverance in attaining a degree.
Students who live on campus are conveniently located near the library, tutoring or SI sessions and other study materials. While students residing off campus still have access to these things, convenience can be a big factor when deciding whether or not to use those resources.
Besides convenience, there are also live-in professional and student staff available to help residents 24/7. These staff members are trained in many topics, from crisis management to directing residents to available academic and social resources.
However, living on campus does not just provide academic benefits. It can be an opportunity to live next to your peers.
For freshmen, making connections is a crucial part of their experience. These connections may happen as they get a new roommate or suite mate, and these residents also have several chances to meet others through events. Each on-campus facility holds events every month to give the residents an opportunity to connect with others. Residence assistants also provide opportunities for residents to join intramural teams and join organizations on campus.
Living on campus offers academic benefits, convenience and social connections. While it is still possible to attain these things while residing off campus, living on campus can be one less stressful thing for new students to worry about. They will not have to worry about utility bills, monthly rent or finding a roommate while also thinking about their grades and making friends.
UTM wants new students to adjust at their own pace and excel while doing it. Living on campus offers the opportunities to make that happen.
(Photo Credit/WikiMediaCommons)
**Corrie Campbell has submitted this piece as a correspondent for the Office of Housing.**
