1. Parking
Every single school needs more parking. This is a fact. Finding a spot can look like a scene from “Game of Thrones” and it doesn’t have to be like that. Getting a parking pass shouldn’t be life or death and parking shouldn’t inconvenience faculty or students. This is just common sense.
2. Direct access to all campus buildings
I should not have to take a bus or trek through a forest to get to my 9 a.m. class. Why aren’t there sidewalks all through campus, to keep students safe and also maybe pave a nice path when weather is inclement?? I have come to class muddy and or wet due to the absolute hike I would have to go through to just attend class. In addition to the convenience of parking, it should be easy to get from one part of campus to another without risking getting stuck in quicksand or nailed by a biker.
3. Food options
We all pay a substantial amount for tuition. I don’t think it’s too much to ask for a little variety among the food, aka something needed to survive. In addition to having a variety of food (not just the same burger station and salad bar) schools should be aware of dietary restrictions as well. This means knowing students have food allergies and being diligent in catering to this. In addition, there are students without cars or jobs who are probably unable to leave campus to grab a bite, so that food should be consistent even on weekends or days when prospective students aren’t touring.
4. On-campus jobs
Speaking of not having a job, why is it so difficult for a student to get a job on campus? Everyone knows in order to move up in the working world, experience is key. So if there’s some grunt work on campus the PhDs are too busy to deal with, hire a student. Give these kids some more opportunities and a little extra cash. The job may help them in the long run with resume experience in addition to giving a little direction in terms of future careers.
5. Washers and dryers
College kids are gross, it’s common knowledge. But, we can only wear the same pair of pants so many days in a row. Strategizing a time to do laundry and not have to wrestle a colleague for a dryer should never be a scenario that we encounter. Schools need to have more washing machines and dryers for the residents to use. Sometimes it can’t wait until the next academic break.
6. Study spaces
During finals, or any other study crunch time, it is pretty common to find yourself scrambling for a place to sit and study for the night. There needs to be more quiet nooks for those who prefer silence and more big group tables for those who don’t. The first priority at school is to not flunk out, and not having a set study space to rely on can be a nightmare.
7. Places to hang out
In addition to more study spaces, there should be more spots to chill as well. Instead of all standing around a friend’s table at Starbucks in the gap between your 10 a.m. and your 11 a.m. you should be able to sit and relax, unwind and chat with friends. This can be couches or more seating in the dining hall, but regardless, it shouldn’t be difficult to find.
8. Mental health resources
Mental illness is known to become more common among students during college years. While most institutions definitely have counselors or can refer you to someone in the area, it should not stop here. Access to information, support groups and other resources should be well-known and present. This is something that should be of high priority, despite the stigma surrounding it. This is the job of the university to work on. If more knowledge is spread, the stigma will be removed and things can begin to improve.
9. Professors bringing their dogs to class
Listen, professors. If you have a dog, we want to see him/her/them. It will brighten class and we’re mature enough to not let it become a distraction. I bet it’ll be relaxing to you and a delight to your students. Just please don’t deprive us.
10. Transparency from administration and faculty
As students, it is our job to know where our money is going. Obviously, those who attend classes and pay tuition are the highest priority (or should be). Whatever the administration is planning whether it be cosmetic campus improvements or new programs, we as students have a right to know.
