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Students Living Away from Home

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Presented by:

  • Shelley Arroyo, IU Columbus
  • Kristina Samples, Ivy Tech Community College Columbus

Living independently away from home for the first time comes with a learning curve:

  • learning time management skills, which include attending class and studying in addition to shopping for food and household supplies, cleaning, paying bills – you know, adulting
  • learning to establish a disciplined routine (even when no one is watching😉)
  • learning to make responsible decisions about personal conduct
  • learning important social skills like interacting with residents of different ages and genders and with landlords or leasing managers
  • learning to be responsible for maintaining one’s own space and shared spaces

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A panel of three AirPark Campus students shared their experiences living independently away from home. They noted:

  • Communication skills are critical when connecting with other students as well as building/facility managers
  • Establishing a healthy, balanced routine is vital
  • Using a daily, weekly, and semester calendar (paper or digital) helps them stay on track
  • It takes maturity and patience living around other individuals who may have very different habits

As educators, we should be mindful around:

  • Not making assumptions about the background our students bring with them
  • Engaging with students to understand their circumstances and what they need to succeed
  • Understanding the importance of food as a “community builder”
  • Listening to students share their experiences about adjusting to living on their own
  • Encouraging students to manage their time effectively and establish routines
  • Promoting the importance of both mental health (managing stress and anxiety) and physical health (eating healthy and getting adequate rest)
  • Helping students build confidence by citing their successes in and out of the classroom
  • Offering options and helpful resources

You can find the slide deck here

License

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