Pilots Prevent
September 21, 2021
First-year students aren’t the only ones going through the sometimes-awkward experience of adjusting to communal life on campus. Due to the pandemic, most sophomores missed out on campus life last year. And juniors only got one college semester — their first one ever — before being sent home. That means many students living on campus this semester are actually pretty new at it — and might be feeling a bit at sea. But UP’s hall directors have plenty of campus living experience under their collective belts, and they’ve got lots of great advice for making the most of it.
Show up
“The number one thing they can do is just to put themselves out there,” says Michael Ricker, hall director at Corrado Hall. “Just showing up to the events, being in the lobby, being in the common spaces. In COVID times, it's too easy to stay in your room.”
Derek Block, hall director at Villa Maria agrees. “You just have to make the initial effort,” he says. “Doing things like hanging in the lobby saying, ‘What’s up?’ when people come in. Just being present.” Even just keeping your door open when you’re hanging out in your room can make a difference. “People swing by and you get to know each other because you see each other more often.”
Both Block and Ricker say it’s important to make a point of attending hall events. Each of UP’s halls participate in a program called First Six Weeks. “For the first six weeks of school we put on four to five different events each week in the hall that students can come to,” says Ricker. “It’s a great way to get to know the hall, get to know other students, take a break from homework, do something a little silly, or a little fun.”
Make it a Habit
Ricker says consistently showing up is key. The first time you go to a gathering you might not make a connection but keep coming back. Not only does it show willingness to be part of the community, but you also become a familiar face. “The students I’ve seen getting success in getting plugged in are showing that consistent presence in events and in residence hall common areas.”
Join In
Each hall has its own version of Town Hall, a weekly meeting when hall residents and directors come together to plan hall events. Simply showing up is a great way to get to know people and keep up to date on what’s in the works, but it’s even better when you get involved. “So many events are put on by the students who go to Town Hall,” says Ricker. “They can contribute their ideas, help with event planning or other areas they’re interested in. And if you have any traditions, or would like to start a new tradition, we’re open to that.”
When presented with the opportunity to join a committee, help with setting up an activity, or just go grab some food with other residents, resist the urge to decline just because it’s not part of your routine or study plan. “Saying yes is the best thing you can do,” says Block. “When people say, ‘Hey do you want to go to dinner?’ say yes. You might think you need to study, and you do, but you also need to eat dinner at some point so why not go with someone?”
Be Patient
Both Ricker and Block are quick to point out that making strong connections in your hall, and among other students in general, takes time. Don’t get discouraged but do be patient.
It might be difficult, but keep putting yourself out there,” says Ricker. “Try, try again. That’s my advice.”
Block says, “Don’t expect to feel perfectly part of the community from Day 1. It takes time and patience. Don’t freak out. Come talk to the hall staff, who will have ideas for getting involved. It will happen if you keep putting out the effort.”
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5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
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