FSU Torch - 2024 Winter Housing Guide

Photos provided by Ferris State University

CHOOSE ON CAMPUS HOUSING FOR 2024-2025!

Residence Halls

• 19+ only options available

• A place to make lifelong connections

• Study & hang out spaces

• Variety of locations around campus

• Activities offered such as pool tables, board games, ping pong, and more

East Campus Suites

• Single rooms

• More upper class students

• Quiet areas

• 19+ only

• Across the street from the Student Recreation Center

• Fully furnished

West Campus Apartments

• Family Housing

• Quiet areas

• 19+ only

• Laundry in each apartment

• Computer lab

• Suite style rooms

EVENTS TO CHECK OUT AT FSU!

FEB. 20 - 21; Spring Concert Opener Audition: 3 - 9 pm @ Williams Auditorium

FEB. 21; FSU Esports Demo & CVL Tour: 7 pm @ Ferris’ Center for Virtual Learning

FEB. 23; Black History Month Scholarship Pageant: 7 - 10 pm @ DEC 202

FEB. 23 -24; Taylor Swift Experience: 6 - 10:30 pm @ DEC Ballrooms

MARCH 2 Spring Break Begins

FEB. 25; Fest. of Arts Winter Band & Orchestra Concert: 4 - 5:15 pm @ Williams Auditorium

FEB. 28; FMLA Black History Month Panel: 5 - 7 pm @ Interdisciplinary Resource Center

MARCH 11 Classes Resume

Dorm Room Checklist

Dorm rooms are small spaces but furnishing them with everything you need can be overwhelming.

Make every square inch of your dorm room count with these essentials.

BEDDING

Grab a bed-in-a-bag set that will give you a comforter, fitted sheet, flat sheet, dust ruffle and pillowcases all in one convenient package. Be sure to get the right size for your dorm’s bed; most dorm rooms come with twin extra long beds. You’ll also want a quality mattress topper, because those ancient dorm mattresses have seen a thing or two. Again, look for the correct size for your mattress and be prepared that fewer brands may offer the twin extra long.

RUG

Rugs dampen sound in your dorm room (important for your neighbors) and give you an opportunity to add a pop of color in an otherwise dull space. Look for options that are washable for easy clean up. Keep it clean with an ittybitty cordless vacuum. Good Housekeeping

recommends the Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum ($40).

DISHES AND KITCHENWARE

Grab a set of plates, bowls and mugs that are microwave and dishwasher safe. Flatware is the same, and it’s even better if they come with a rack to hang it on to save drawer space. You’re also going to need some small appliances — check your dorm’s rules first — like a coffee maker, kettle, microwave, coffee maker, hot plates, a coffee maker and did we mention a coffee maker? Single-serve models are tiny and clean up is easy, too.

STORAGE

Your dorm may come with built-in drawers and closets, but chances are you’re going to need to augment that with your own storage. Grab a set or two of plastic storage drawers, colorful storage bins, and an over-the-door organizer or two to keep your space tidy.

Think strategically about storage. You don’t have a lot of room and you need to make every inch count.

CLOTHES

Yes, yes, tees and jeans and shorts and dresses, but also shower shoes (especially if there’s a communal shower), a bath robe, a shower caddy and some towels. You can ditch the ironing board and iron, probably, but do stock up on wrinkle release spray.

Photo provided by Ferris State University

New People

Sure, college is primarily about advancing your knowledge and catalyzing your career. But it is also about meeting new people.

And it is never too early to start. You can make college-level connections well before you leave high school. Participate in activities and events at your college of choice, and volunteer to work at events. College professors, students and staff members are likely to be at these same events, and you never know what kind of connections you can make.

PUT YOURSELF OUT

university.

Keep in mind that not every interaction is going to lead to a lasting relationship or a dynamic internship. But by simply putting yourself out there, you will meet interesting people with diverse skill sets and interests.

ATTEND SPORTING EVENTS

painless as possible. Sporting events can be a great place to do just that, as students are in a social, exciting environment.

SOCIAL MEDIA

There Whether you are a high school student entering college for the first time or a nontraditional student seeking to advance your education, have confidence when interacting with new college connections. Introduce yourself as a prospective college student and ask questions related to the

A college baseball, football or volleyball game presents the perfect opportunity to experience the collegiate culture. Sit near student sections to meet present attendees and ask them what they like and dislike about their college. Remember that you are in control of your educational future. You owe it to yourself to research your prospective college choices and make your final decision as

The advent of social media has opened a whole new world of connections literally. You can interact with people from across the globe with a simple click of a mouse or tap of a keyboard.

Follow your targeted universities on Twitter and friend them on Facebook. You will find updates on campus events, news and developments.

You can also find professors and students on social networking sites who share valuable knowledge pertaining to your field of choice.

Photo provided by Ferris State University

Preparing a Budget

Preparing a budget is an important step in being financially independent. Even if your parents are helping you through college, you will be on your own for the first time and likely have more freedoms than ever before.

SET A TIME FRAME

The best time frame is dictated by the frequency of your income. If you have a job, this might be weekly or bi-weekly. Most campus jobs pay once a month, or you could budget a semester at a time since your funds are more likely to be replenished by loans or your parents at the start of a new one.

LIST YOUR INCOME AND EXPENSES

LIST YOUR DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES

These are the things you don’t need but will want to purchase such as a midnight taco run or a Saturday doublefeature with your best friends.

Again, list your categories (eating out, entertainment, clothes) and work up estimated amounts.

PThis includes working out categories specific to your situation and coordinating estimated amounts. This information is a great starting point for you to realize exactly how much money is coming in — and exactly how much is going out.

KNOW THE DETAILS

to it for spending in the book store or student center? If so, this should also be a line in your “income”.

INVOLVE YOUR FAMILY

PHave your parents look over your budget. Remember, they’ve been there before. You want to learn from their mistakes. Asking for their help shows maturity.

reparing being parents will be likely have

Understand what your expenses cover. Tuition is a big expense, but it is an upfront cost at the beginning of each semester and doesn’t cover the cost of books and supplies. Know the parameters of your meal plan. How many meals are covered, and is there a flex account attached

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY

Don’t allow your parents to handle everything just because they can. It’s OK if they manage and oversee the big stuff, but you should stay informed.

to your situation and estimated amounts. This is a great starting point realize exactly how much money in — and exactly how out.

LIST YOUR DISCRETIONARY EXPENSES are the things you don’t want to purchase — such midnight taco run or a Saturday ble-feature with your best friends. list your categories (eating

Beat College Stress

Staying up late to finish a big chemistry project? Working two jobs to cover your college tuition? Struggling with your first time away from home?

Stress in college is a very real thing. And if you’re feeling a bit burned out, you’re not alone. College students fall within the category of Americans feeling the most stressed with their lives, according to a recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive for the American Psychological Association.

Though stress can sometimes be a collection of normal feelings associated with upcoming deadlines and important presentations, it can also lead to serious emotional or physical issues. You can take simple steps now to avoid becoming stressed out or diagnosed with issues such as depression or anxiety

disorders later.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Your body’s overall health is crucial in your ability to fight off stress. Here’s how you can keep it running strong:

• Eat healthy meals.

• Exercise on a regular basis.

• Get plenty of sleep.

• Give yourself a mental break if you’re feeling stressed.

TALK ABOUT IT

Share your problems and feelings with a parent, friend or counselor. Let them know what you’re struggling with and how you’re trying to cope with these challenges. This is an effective way of dealing with stress; more than half

of the Harris survey participants reported learning on their friends and families to help keep them level-headed.

LISTEN TO MUSIC

The Harris survey also discovered that about 60 percent of those feeling stressed listened to music to calm down. Many combined music with working out, going on walks or surfing the Internet to find their inner peace. Whatever works for you, it is important to have a healthy, repeatable coping mechanism that helps alleviate stress. Doing so will keep you laser-focused on your studies and motivated to complete your degree.

Photo provided by Ferris State University

YResolving Roomie Troubles

Roommates are great in that they cut down on your out-of pocket costs, especially if you’re renting an apartment, but they take some getting used to. Here are some tips for living your best life with a roommate.

SETTING BOUNDARIES

limit for guests?

• Can significant others spend the night?

• How can you tell the other person that you would appreciate some privacy?

• Should you set a lights-out time?

misconstruing what you say in a text or on social media.

www.cityofbr.org/government/dial-a-ride

Once you’ve hashed out some rules, write them down and sign them. It may seem juvenile, but it will help keep you both accountable. This agreement can serve as a starting point if further discussions are needed.

Once you have their attention, focus on one problem at a time and be ready with suggestions of how to solve the problem. Talk about the behavior, not the person.

HOW TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS

You can head off all sorts of roommate troubles by setting clear boundaries in common trouble spots. Take, for instance, cleaning your abode. You and your roommate probably have different ideas of clean, so it’s important to get that out there before it becomes a problem. Divvy up responsibilities and set a clear schedule of who is responsible for what when.

Another potential pothole is having company. Establish rules about having friends over, especially significant others. Some questions to ask include the following:

• What is the time

No matter how careful you are, college is a stressful time and there’s bound to be conflicts. Working through them builds valuable life skills and can strengthen friendships, if you do it the right way. If you have a problem with your roommate, set up a time to talk in person so that they don’t feel ambushed and there’s less of a chance of them

Instead of: “It’s rude of you to use all of the hot water in the morning in your three-hour shower,” try “I don’t have any hot water for my morning shower. Can you try showering at a different time or setting a timer to save water?” Your roommate may not even realize how their behavior affects you.

Lastly, remember to listen to their side of the story. It’s probably not that they’re deliberately out to annoy you with cold showers. They may have reasons for their behavior that you haven’t considered. Try to remember how you would want to be treated if the roles were reversed.

Photo provided by Ferris State University