Starting your first semester at Roanoke College is an exciting experience. You get to meet new people from different states or even different countries, you join interesting classes that teach you skills in topics you love, and you even gain a new sense of independence as you dictate how your day goes. With this new stage of life and freedom also come certain things we should all be aware of to become respectful members of the Roanoke College community.
Begin in the space you live in, your dorm. Whether living with a roommate or by yourself, we must be mindful of the people around us to create a friendly environment that you are happy to come back to every night. This means respecting quiet hours, whether that be at night (some people are not night owls) or in the morning (some people are not early birds). This helps everyone get the sleep they need to tackle classes. Keep common spaces clean. This applies to the dorm you live in, as well as public spaces in dorm halls and elsewhere on campus. We want everyone to be able to enjoy a neat environment.
Being by yourself also means taking care of your health. That means trying to eat balanced meals and making sure you step out of your room every once in a while. Finding time to take care of yourself is crucial to your journey here at Roanoke College. It might feel overwhelming at times, which is why my last advice for being a functional adult is “communicating”. Talk to your professors if you need extensions, talk to health and services if you are feeling down, talk to your peers if you are feeling lonely. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Andrea Flores
Staff Reporter
