We can all agree that there are rules of residence life that are obviously stated in the housing contract, but we would still never do it if it they weren't. Everyone knows not to bring weapons or illegal drugs, although there are some students who try and test that last rule. The majority of students enter college with the mindset of wanting the same respect for their lifestyle and belongings as others. There are, however, some rules that develop over time. The following is a list of common courtesy rules that some people might not have considered yet.
1. Get Your Laundry On Time
When the timer on your washer says 30 minutes, you should actually be there a few minutes early. Especially in the evening, when everyone finally has time to do their laundry, a wait list starts to develop. When people make the suggestion to set a timer, they mean to set a timer because if you don't you will receive calls or texts from students waiting to use that washer. Students in VWIL and athletics have to wash their uniforms fairly often, they aren't able to just say "I'll do my laundry another day." Be sure to pick up your clothes on time so everyone gets a chance at using the washer. The worst sight is a line of washers that have been finished for 20 minutes with no one to pick it up.
2. Be Respectful to All Your Neighbors
The people above you and below you don't want to be kept up by the sound of your chair constantly falling back because you find it an entertaining distraction while doing homework. I know this the hard way. Every night around 1am, my upstairs neighbors enjoy playing twister, doing parkour, and bowling. Their slamming noises continue for hours. The people below you can hear you. The people below you also know where you live. Steer clear of loud noises that affect others.
3. Do Your Part in Keeping the Lounge Clean
Students are actively using the lounge. VWIL tends to use them for study hours, RAs use it for hall meetings, and it is the first thing guests see when they come into the residence hall. If you order Chinese takeout, take the trash out with you. Don't leave the extra fork on the table because you don't feel like moving it. Don't leave your scrap paper on the table after studying. Don't leave wet puddles from your drink on the table. No one wants to spend time in a dirty lounge.
4. Be Aware of Different Lifestyles
Some people wake up at 6am whereas others wake up ten minutes before class. We all need to respect that and be appropriate in the halls. There shouldn't be any morning yelling in the hall just as the people who sleep in shouldn't get upset if they hear footsteps. Mutual respect for both ways of adapting to college should be accepted. This applies on a hall level and on a roommate level.
5. Golden Rule
Overall, this article comes down to treating others the way you want to be treated. Keep in mind their opinions and perspectives and stay true to yours. This should be a time of diversity and encouragement, not judgement and insensitivity.
