Current Residents – You and Your Neighbor
The residence hall community is a unique one. Living so close to one’s neighbors can allow for the development of long-lasting friendships and good times. When disagreements inevitably pop-up, it is important to remember to “treat others as you would have them treat you” and “to be courteous in your community.”
Being courteous in your community leads to a:
- cleaner
- quieter
- safer
- more comfortable living environment.
Tips for a Cleaner Hall Environment
- Don’t leave food in the sink or attempt to rinse large pieces of food down the drain.
- Clean-up the area after using hall kitchens.
- Clean your room, vacuum the floor and empty your trash cans on a regular basis. This will help keep bugs out of your room and your suite or apartment.
- Pick-up the area you’ve used in study rooms, lounges and lobbies. Don’t leave empty cans or candy bar wrappers or pizza boxes littering the area.
- Be careful when emptying your trash can in the hall trash receptacles. Don’t leave trash on the floor. If the receptacles are already full, wait until they have been emptied by the custodial staff instead of dumping on top of an overflowing receptacle.
Tips for a Safer Hall Environment
- Read and follow all guidelines on page 26 of this handbook.
- Never give anyone access to the building by letting them in, lending your keys or VolCard, or propping doors. Never escort a stranger. Instruct visiting parties to use the lobby phone to call the person they are visiting for an escort.
- Don’t block hallways with stacks of newspaper, loft wood or other materials.
- Don’t chain your bike to trees or stairwell railings. Like materials stacked in the hallway, your bike could be blocking emergency access or exit.
- Don’t leave laundry unattended in washers or dryers. Report any vandalism or machine malfunction to your main desk. The desk can provide you with an “Out of Order” sign to place on the machine.
- When a room smoke detector sounds, please do not attempt to silence the alarm yourself; a staff member will respond. If you have reason to believe that no staff member is aware of the alarm, call your front desk to report it.
Tips for a More Comfortable Living Environment
- Get to know your neighbors. Knowing them on a friendly basis now will help you discuss that loud stereo later.
- Always observe smoking regulations. Smoking is prohibited in all public areas.
- Work with your roommate and/or suitemates to come to an agreement on an appropriate room temperature.
- Work with your resident assistant. Give any suggestions you have on improving the hall environment.
Tips for a Quieter Hall Environment
- Always observe quiet hours.
- Remember: stairwell, hallways and bathrooms echo voices. Keep your voice down when in these areas out of respect for those living close by them.
- Wait until you get outside before beginning any sports activity.
- Adjust the volume on your alarm so that it wakes only you, not your entire room or suite. When leaving for the weekend, make sure you turn your alarm off.