The Importance of Community in Student Living

Student living in university is one of the most transformative times in your life. You’ll be stepping out of home, and into the world, meeting new people, creating new routines and living in a new place. It can be a little daunting especially if you live in a completely different province or country.

While some of the lessons you are going to learn are about the importance of focus and dedication as well as what it’s like to be independent, it is also important that you find the value in community. As a matter of fact, the community you surround yourself with could potentially define your student experience.

A community can be anything from your group of friends, people you go to church with or even your teammates from whatever sport you might play. Having a strong community around you can make the transition from school to university just a little easier. They can offer emotional support, companionship, advice and a sense of belonging. This is especially true when you surround yourself with people who are going through the same things you are.

Support That Actually Matters Student Living

Some of the closest friendships you’ll ever make may very well be made during your university years. These friendships are forged in the fires of all-night study sessions and during the daily walk from res to campus and back.

These are people who will celebrate your success with you, support you through your struggles and comfort you through your homesickness. Who knows you might even choose to move in with one of them so that you can both save money on rent.

Pro tip: If you want to make friends leave your door open while you are moving in, it’s a good way to see who else might be moving in, in your corridor and a good way to meet people. If not, that then make sure to take part in events, games nights and sporting activities where you might find people who have similar interests to your own.

Community in Student Accommodation: Why It Matters

University is challenging in so many ways. Academically, emotionally and mentally, you will go through a lot and have you moments of weakness so it is important to have people you can talk to and lean on for support. Calling home is always helpful but sometimes what you need is a hug and a phone call unfortunately won’t be able to help with that.

The friends that you make in university can become your biggest cheerleaders in times of stress. They can keep you going to ensure that you meet deadlines, or that you have someone to lean on when the going gets tough. Not to mention your parents will feel a lot better know that you are not completely isolated while you are in res.

Support That Actually Matters

Making new friends can be tough and it’s normal to feel a little lonely in your first few weeks before you’ve gotten to know anyone. However, try and reframe your mindset. All the first years are new, all of you a looking to forge friendships.

You are all in the same boat, so if you are nervous or lonely chances are that so is everyone else. I know it’s easier said than done, when the anxiety is high, but try and step out of your comfort zone. Go do something social or join a club on campus.

Having a community around you will greatly benefit your mental health. It will reduce your stress level, increase your confidence and increase your happiness overall. Having a community is not about being popular or extroverted, rather it about feeling seen, heard and included.

University is the optimal time to learn about the world. It’s a melting pot of different people, from different place all with differing backgrounds and cultures. This is your opportunity to learn about the world.

You will be witness to the differing opinions and perspectives in your class discussions and debates. Engaging with people who are completely different from you is a great way to broaden your horizons and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for diversity.

Explorations In Student Living

There are many ways to explore the differing cultures that your new friends may have. One of my favourite university experiences was hosting a potluck with friends. Everyone shared a dish from their culture, it was a fun way to learn more about my friends and a good opportunity to try all sorts of amazing new foods.

If this is the type of thing you enjoy you should also definitely take part in the IIE MSA Africa Day celebration on the 25th of May every year. If you find that you really enjoy trying different food, then you and your friends can take turns cooking for each other once every other week. Just to keep things interesting.

This is university so I think it is worth noting that having a community can be beneficial to your academic performance. Study groups are a great way to get your work done. You can help each other where you feel stuck with the content and because it’s a safe space you can ask the questions you were maybe too nervous to ask in class.

Even if you and your friends aren’t studying the same degree, a study group is still an effective way of holding yourself accountable. Chances are if your friends are focused and working hard, you will be too. This comes in handy when you are suffering from last exam syndrome and need that final push to get through it.

With all that said, it is still important that you be discerning. Community is what you choose to make of it. It can people who go out to party every other night or people who manage to find the balance between work and play. It can be a group 10 people, or it could just be two people.

Final Thoughts

Find what work for you and the goals you want to achieve. Remember to take care of your own interests first so if you feel the need to put up boundaries or pull away from friends for whatever reason then do that and don’t feel bad about it. It is never a bad thing to protect your peace.

Also keep in mind that you are not restricted to a single community. You can have friends that you study with, friends that you play sport with and friends that you go out with. Each community will enrich your life in different ways.

Living in res is an incredible experience if you can make the most of it. All we want is for you to thrive. One of the ways that gets done, is by making friends, budling relationships and communities that will help carry you through it all.