With the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year quickly approaching, Campus Recreation is excitedly awaiting the arrival of new and returning students! As the class of 2028 is starting their college journey within these upcoming weeks, here is Campus Rec’s guide to moving in, participating in campus events, and things to look forward to on campus.
Dorm Checklist
As a fellow RAM and member of the Campus Recreation Team, we want all incoming students to feel prepared and comfortable for their move-in. Moving into a new school, adjusting to a brand new environment, and living with someone else can seem like a handful at first. However, the process is much easier than you think! Campus staff and orientation leaders will be stationed around campus to welcome and direct new students to their assigned housing and are more than happy to help answer any questions or concerns you may have! You’ll also find move-carts designated to every building for transporting dorm furniture and supplies.
Before we dive deeper into moving in, let’s focus on the preparation process and must-have dorm supplies you will need! Based on my two years of experience, it is important to pack only the essentials and recommended items. You are limited in space especially since you will be sharing a room with someone else. Here are my top dorm recommendations!
- Shower caddy + shower shoes
- Mattress pad
- Mini fridge
- Microwave
- Laundry basket/hamper
- Command strips
- Brita
- Your comfort item (blanket, pillow, etc.)
- Reusable dishes + utensils
- Paper products + cleaning supplies
- First Aid kit
- Vacuum
- Rug
- Trash bags
As you pack and go dorm shopping, use this checklist!
Campus Recreation promotes being active, being well, and belonging. In efforts to motivate our incoming freshman to belong on our campus, here are our best tips on how to adjust to college living on campus.
Move in Tips
Move in day is filled with excitement, nerves, and the thrill of beginning a new journey. Meeting your roommate, becoming acquaintances with other students on your floor, and moving into your dorm can be overwhelming. It is important to keep in mind that as a freshman, our peers are also just beginning on this college venture.
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- A little goes a long way. What we mean is, simply asking your roommate to go to the dining hall and grab coffee or lunch allows for conversation and the ability to meet new people.
- Be sure to make an effort to get to know your roommate. Find what interests you share and set boundaries with one another before the school year progresses. It is important to be able to feel comfortable in your personal space.
- Always say yes. This is some of the best advice I’ve been given. Whether it is joining intramural sports, meeting someone for lunch, or just taking a walk around campus, you never know who you are going to meet and what opportunities will be presented to you.
- Build Connections. Find time to interact and know your roommate/suitemates better! Building friendships and connections with the people you live with can really make your dorm experience very enjoyable. Even if you have different interests or hobbies, look for ways in which you can build a bond in other areas. Having both a friendship and a roommate in one makes living on campus fun! Some ways you can bond is to attend events together, have a movie/spa night, have a picnic on the beach, join a club together, etc. Some places you can explore with your roommates are the emporium, Narragansett as you will find the beach, restaurants, shopping, etc.
- Setting Boundaries. It is important that you set clear boundaries and expectations with your roommates from the beginning. Even if there’s no conflict, it’s important to address potential issues early on and consider making a roommate contract. This is helpful in case something arises in the future, where you and your roommate can communicate openly and effectively.
- Facing Conflict. If a conflict isn’t resolved and further action is needed, there are plenty of campus resources available for guidance and support! You can reach out to your Resident Assistant (RA) to handle the situation. Their contact information will be provided in your building, and you will have monthly meetings and events with your RA so you can know them better and connect in regards to housing matters. Also, reaching out to a trusted friend and family member for support is also helpful. Do not hesitate to reach out for any type of help you need. Campus Recreation is here to support you. Asking for help and advice is perfectly normal!
- You are not alone. Check out Student Involvement Opportunities to meet others, find your passion, and stay involved! Campus Recreation is here to help. Sign up for a group exercise class or attend a mindfulness event to find your sense of belonging on campus.
- Take advantage of O-Week opportunities. These include beach trips, shopping days, and events on the quad. The Rhody Connect App allows for students of all years to view upcoming events, providing the time and place of campus events.
Weekly Routine
A vital element of college life is building a strong and consistent routine. Adjusting to college life can be challenging as you have lots of free time throughout your day and week. Once you’ve mastered your class schedule, find what activities bring you comfort and joy within your week. Try out new places to eat, such as the Hope and Butterfield Dining Hall, the Rams Den in the Memorial Union, The Brookside Bistro, and the Gertz Cafe in the Engineering Building. With multiple on campus dining spots, find what meals are your favorites and the differing food options among each place.
Our campus is tailored to our students and their needs. We have a plethora of study spots available to us on campus. Such as the Memorial Union, the library, the Chemistry and Engineering buildings, and numerous study lounges in our Resident Halls. Explore different buildings and discover where you can best focus.
Prioritizing our well being is crucial, especially amongst the chaos of the first semester of college. We have two on campus gyms, Mackal and Fascietelli, an Aquatic Center, bike path, and a multitude of wellness events. Carve out time in your schedule to exercise and promote your own well being. Check out our Favorite Spots on Campus! For more information regarding the ins and outs of campus, be sure to check our previous blogs here, where students have reviewed classes, spots on campus, and provide other college life advice.
Tips for Success
URI provides amazing opportunities to meet new people, be involved with clubs that align with your passions, take advantage of learning opportunities, and build a community. Utilize apps such as Handshake and Rhody Connect App to delve into on campus job opportunities and events. Be sure to stay on top of your classes and academics so you can explore what more campus has to offer besides classes. Lastly, try to attend events such as Rhody Fest to discover the many clubs, sports, and activities available to all of our students.
Be patient with yourself. All of this being said, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Consider what brings you comfort and peace and find how you can immerse yourself with this on campus.
Adjusting to Rhody Life
Our biggest takeaway from freshman year is to put yourself out there and attend as many events as possible during your first few weeks and throughout the semester. Rhody Fest is a perfect opportunity to discover sports and clubs you may be interested in joining, get a feel for campus life, and make friends! Rhody Fest is an event held on the quad where all 130 student organizations, Greek Life, and club sports are stationed with booths for signup or to answer questions. We recommend trying to go up to as many booths as possible. Even if a club is not your first pick, check it out! A great way to put yourself out there is to socialize in a group. Everyone is looking for new friends, so go for it! If you see a group, join in and try to be a part of the conversation. Then, exchange contact information with a few people so you can make plans. You never know what will happen, so it is worth trying!
By Lauren Marsella and Erin Mullaney