RA's Number 1 Advice

When it comes to campus life, the Resident Assistants are trained to know exactly what to do. I thought it would be a good idea to go to the source and ask some RAs what they wish they would have known when they were incoming freshmen. I got some answers that I would have never thought of! Each freshman's first year is different, but here are some great tips to start a freshman year off right.

Cold

The snow and cold weather is definitely a nuisance when I have to walk around campus. I need to dress in at least three layers and I have to leave 10 minutes early to give time for my inevitable daily slips and falls. I asked a few people around Read what they thought about the pesky weather and I got some pretty interesting answers.

Adjusting after break

After such a long break, I always found it hard to come back to school. It was hard to get on a schedule again and to not procrastinate, not to mention I was always homesick. I asked a few people around Read the question, "Is it hard for you to adjust?" Here is what some people had to say.

Finals

Uh oh, finals are almost upon us! IU students everywhere are cringing at the thought of these dreaded tests. These seem really frightening, but in all honesty, they're really not as horrible as they seem. Starting two weeks before finals the Wells Library starts to get full. It's common knowledge that if you manage to get a spot in the library, don't move or else it'll get taken so fast you won't even know what hit you. Every inch of the library (including floor space) is filled with eager final-studiers. I talked to a few people on my floor about what they have either started doing or plan on doing to study and prepare as final's week approaches. Some of them gave some pretty interesting answers. Good luck to everyone who has finals and have a great winter break!

Thanksgiving Break

All the people on my floor, myself included, are all looking forward to Thanksgiving break. It's a time when students don't have to worry about homework, studying and getting stuff done. All we have to do is see family and eat great food. For many students who live far away this break might be the first time they get to go home. Thanksgiving break also comes at a time when students desperately need a break from studying to recharge before finals.

Read Room Decorations

When I got to college, I was really excited about making my dorm room my own; being able to rearrange and decorate however I wanted. I figured since I was so excited about my room, other people on my floor had to be just as excited about theirs.
I went around to three people and asked what they liked and didn’t like about their room and their set up. Some told me how much they love it while others told me what they want to change. 

Community Leadership and Development Center

The CLDC is an amazing resource located in the Read residence hall.

When ever I'm stressed with school work, I go down to the CLDC and do some craft projects just to unwind and clear my mind.

Most of the students I talked to about the center don't know what it is, it's mostly used by Resident Assistants to make bulletin boards, but I whole heartedly believe this resource can benefit so many people.

If you've never been to the CLDC try it out