Tiffany Slifka asked the blog team for some insight into college life to publish in her high school newspaper. I thought I would share this with the whole blog, in case other high school seniors were curious as well!
1. About how much living space do you have in dorm rooms? How many students per dorm room?
My dorm room is considered relatively small, but I only have to share it with one person. Usually, freshmen dorms are doubles. However, there are options for suites, apartments, etc. when you are sophomores/juinors/seniors. You just need to be creative with getting the most out of your space. I'll share photos of my room after we return from Thanksgiving break!
2. What were some essential things to bring with you when you went away to college?
I used this list for packing. As for other random ones that I found I useful: Laptop lock, tupperware, umbrella, air fresheners, rainboots.
3. What kinds of things didn't you bring with you, but later wished you had?
Wall decorations. My walls are a little too boring.
4. What items are considered 'contraband' if you live on campus?
You know-- candles, pets (not even goldfish), etc.
5. What furnishings and services does the college provide in dorm rooms?
A desk, a mini dresser, dresser, bed, closet, a strange rocking desk chair. Services include lofting and carpet cleaning. When I moved in, the window's mesh was broken, so I told them and they fixed it the next day. It was like magic!
6. Does the college allow students to bring vehicles and if so, are there restrictions?
Freshmen can have cars now! You just pay a permit fee and you can only park in a designated area. Therefore, you still do have to the take the bus to other campuses even if you have a car.
7. What kinds of resources does the college offer?
Everything! No, seriously, it's true. Because Rutgers is a huge university, we literally have everything.
8. The dreaded 'Freshman 15'; how do you avoid it?
I eat a lot of vegetables and fruits. Use the salad bar creatively! Take fruits from the dining hall to eat in your dorm so you don't reach for unhealthy choices when you're studying. If you're into working out or joining recreation athletic clubs, go for it. I'm a bum, so I don't. I consider walking around campus as exercise.
9. What job/leadership/volunteer opportunities are offered for students on campus?
I just got accepted to Alternative Spring Break, which I'm ecstatic about doing! I'll be going to West Virginia with 10 other people and a supervisor, and we're going to help the residents with their homes. I've heard the biggest community service event at Rutgers is Dance Marathon. Rutgers students have raised over $1.3 million to help children with blood disorders. I can't wait to participate this year.
As for leadership opportunities, they are literally hundreds and hundreds of clubs on campus-- so you can find leadership positions everywhere. There is also a career services office for Rutgers if you're interested in finding a job or internship.
I highly encourage everyone to get involved because it shapes your college experience in a whole new, unexpected, positive way :) You learn a lot outside the classroom, so take advantage of what Rutgers (or whatever college you choose) has to offer.
10. What is some advice you have for future freshmen about managing finances?
I wrote an entry on Saving Money. Check it out :)
11. How does living on campus differ from living at home?
I live on campus, and it's been the most transformational time in my life. You learn to be independent.
12. What are some major changes between high school and college?
Class size (hello 300-people lecture halls!), some professors not knowing of your existence, getting to live with friends, time managment skills are pushed to the maximum in college, freeeeedom, insane amounts of work, nothing is even given out to you-- you have to find/reach/fight for it; having exams bell curved, events are constantly happening, less drama, more fun.
13. What was the hardest thing to get used to?
I'm from a tiny high school (55 people in graduating class!), so I was really close to my teachers. I probably miss that part the most. In big lecture halls, it is impossible to get to know your professors in the same way.
14. What is your favorite thing about college? Least favorite?
Favorite would be the independence. Least favorite is also the independence because that is tied with many responsibilities. But in the end, it's all worth it.
15. What are you responsible for other than your school work? (ex. job, sports, extracurriculars) And how do you balance your time?
I work on the weekends and I'm part of two Douglass organizations. I also blog :D. I'm still working on the whole balancing act. It's mainly trial and error.
16. And lastly, do you have any advice to incoming freshmen, in general, about what they should know about college or how to make things easier?
Take pictures! You will want to remember these years :D
(Also, check out MIT Admissions Blog for the best entry ever written about making the most of your college life!)
Rutgers students are now leaving for Thanksgiving break. Happy Thanksgiving to all of our readers!
My floormates and I made handturkeys for our bulletin board! :)
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