With the first week of classes under their belts, students at Monmouth University are beginning to settle into the 2021-2022 academic year. Now that the Hawks are back in their nest, many create a home away from home in one of the 11 on-campus residence halls.
Part of being a student is making sure you have all the tools for success at your disposal. In the age of technology, one of the key components to room organization is the positioning of furniture for access to the outlets. Sophomore Tom Hintelmann said that he ensures an outlet is positioned next to his desk so that he never loses his progress while studying.
Outlets aren’t just important for studying; they are also necessary for entertainment. Many students bond and form long lasting friendships by playing games, watching movies, and streaming shows with one another. Sophomore Nash Steward, a political science major, used one of her outlets to set up an entertainment station by plugging in a TV for movie nights with her friends and roommates. She said it was important that her dorm this year felt like a home. According to Steward, her building last year felt like it lacked a personal touch so this year she chose to make the most of her space.
Steward is not alone in her out-of-place feeling after the last year and a half. The COVID-19 pandemic has vastly impacted how students feel about the college experience. Many felt that they lacked agency because so much of their lives was dictated by COVID policies. Some new students didn’t even have an opportunity to live the college experience because of health concerns. Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is settling down, energy and life are returning to the Monmouth campus.
After returning from such a harrowing sabbatical many Monmouth students have a new goal in mind, prioritizing mental health. Relaxing is just as important as academics for success and happiness in daily life. One way to do that is to let vitamin D into your dorm.
From comfort to convenience, students offered insight into how their rooms are arranged. Sophomore, Kylie Shimkus said that she positioned her bed so that she could look out the window as she lounged around. Leaving the blinds open not only allows the beneficial rays to enter the dorm, but also allows her to feel like a part of her natural surroundings. Similarly, Shimkus, a criminal justice major, and Steward, her roommate, combat isolation by keeping their shared bathroom doors open so they can hang out with each other. Even if they’re studying separately, just being in each other’s presence is enough to improve their day.
For many students, college is a time for them to learn how to live on their own. Taking care of yourself completely is uncharted territory, especially when it comes to cleaning. Not all the residence buildings have rooms cleaned by the custodians, and students need to fend for themselves when it comes to keeping tidy. Sophomore Rachel Tramontana, a political science major, says that she’s able to keep her room clean by minimizing clutter and keeping fewer items in her room. She said this keeps cleaning simple and allows her to keep her space livable and productive.
With the kickoff to the new year, students are taking the time to personalize their dorms for their needs. Since a student’s dorm is like their second home, it’s important that students can balance work and play, and students have done just that. They have found a way to both achieve excellence in academics and thrive socially, even in a world reeling from COVID-19.
