Living in PLU Residence Halls: Tips and Tricks from International Students

Which residence

hall

are you

planning to live in?

 

Living in residence halls is what completes the college experience, and for international students, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture while navigating the challenges of communal living. It's also such a stress reliever. In today's blog post, valuable tips and tricks from international student perspective will be discussed. The blog we aim to provide insights that will help both current and new international students to make the most out of their living arrangements and create a comfortable and enriching home away from home.

At PLU, you have varieties of residence halls to choose from. The following residence

halls are what is available:

• Harstad Hall

• Hinderlie Hall

• Kreidler Hall 

• Ordal Hall 

• Stuen Hall 

• Pflueger Hall 

• Tingelstad 

• South Hall 

My favorites are South Hall and Ordal Hall. Each Hall has its own rules and regulations

so make sure to check out this link .

What I love about residence halls is the activities that are organized to bring the

community together. Just last week, we had a get together gathering where we had fun

activities, barbecue and ice cream treats. In addition, you also have access to facilities

such as the gym, swimming pool and many more free of charge.

Below I will share some tips that helped me transition into residence halls smoothly:

1. Getting to know roommates

International students have the opportunity to live with students from various cultural backgrounds. Sharing stories and advice on how to foster positive relationships, establish boundaries and communicate effectively with roommates can help students create a harmonious living environment.

2. Navigating dining hall options

You may be overwhelmed by the variety of food options available for your specific residence hall. Offering advice on meal plans, exploring diverse food choices, and finding ways to accommodate dietary restriction can help international students make the most of their dining hall experience.

3. Managing homesickness

When living away from families and home country, homesickness is a common experience you may go through. Sharing stories of how other international students coped with homesickness and tips on staying connected with family and friends back home, engaging in campus activities, and seeking support from peers and university resources can help international students navigate this emotional challenge.

4. Exploring campus resources

Your residence hall is not just a place to sleep but also a place to get access to a range of campus resources and support services. Highlighting resources such as academic support centers, counseling services, multicultural student organizations and recreational facilities can help international students make the most of their time on campus and thrive both academically and socially.

5. Adapting to dorm culture

Every residence hall has its own unique culture and set of unwritten rules. Adjusting to dormitory life can be challenging for international students. By sharing experiences and tips on integrating into the dorm culture, such as participating in floor activities, attending hall meetings, and respecting quiet hours, you can feel more comfortable and connected to your living community.

See you soon, 

Biruktawit Tesfaye