"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." — Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela was certainly not talking about living in residence halls when he wrote this quote, but it does apply. Many students do not realize how much they have changed until they return home for Thanksgiving, or reconnect with old friends, or even are reflective during the summer time. From high school graduation to winter break, change happens; whether some realize it or not. Though fundamentals seem to stay the same and people’s value systems and morals may remain consistent, students cannot help but notice that new experiences and new people may have changed their opinions, or opened their minds more than they expected.

The experiences that students will take with them may change from person to person; however, there are some recurring themes that professionals and RA’s notice happening in the residence halls. Living with a roommate — most often a complete stranger — is a dramatic and new experience for students. At summer orientation, the message is sent out to students during their University Housing session that they will be living with someone, most likely different than them, and to be open minded about that experience. Discussing diversity and what it means to them is also a topic of conversation during this session. Incoming freshmen often describe diversity as differences in skin color, culture, religion, or sexual orientation. We believe that after one quarter of residence hall living, they begin to develop a new sense of what diversity is. Though many of our students identify as Caucasian Americans, that does not mean that Ohio State is not rich with diversity — people coming from different places, experiences, and families. Being exposed to different situations, either passively or actively, helps to accelerate this growing process for students, helping them to expand on their current understanding of diversity. Whether it is a flyer for a multicultural event they see, if they hear an RA correct an offensive term, or if they are the victim of a hate crime, students change and grow as a result of these situations. As students experience these events, professionals hope that there is learning in the processing and support in the healing.

Another recurring theme for students in their transition is time management. From their enrollment package to the Involvement Fair, students are constantly reminded of the enriching experience they will receive when they can identify as an ‘involved student.’ Tim Griffin, a resident manager for University Housing states that, “In college there’s a lot more free time, so students need to make sure they are prioritizing studying and social life.” High school teachers give daily reminders and days are scheduled around after school activities, homework, and dinner, so the transition to organizing your own schedule may be tough for some. Students at Ohio State are vibrant, energetic, and ready to make a difference. However, many times they are unable or do not come with the skills to make priorities in their life and manage their time. There is an increasing trend that Student Life professionals and professors see in their work with students, that many are not as prepared to balance heavy academic and social work loads.

During the first six weeks and after the first round of midterms, students begin to see their grades come in and often have to prioritize the importance of their commitments. This is done in the conversations with roommates, in private, parents wanting to know reasoning behind grades, or an RA putting on a program on academic success. Luckily for students at Ohio State, there are plenty of resources to assist with this process. The Younkin Success Center is great at helping students gain control of their schedules and focus their academic commitments. The Student Advocacy Center is also wonderful at assisting students in their endeavor, as are the Resident Advisors and Hall Directors.

Relationships can be a major strain for many students as well. As Resident Advisor Robyn Hampton points out, “Students try their best to deal with making friends. They are used to hanging out and being someone with their friends from home and when those people aren’t around anymore, they may not know who to be or where to start.” Some come to college to escape an identity and recreate their image or sense of self. Others migrate to Columbus with many friends from high school and continue those relationships here. Either option allows for students to change together as a community. Even if students come together from high school, their past experiences may be similar, but the future experiences and learning each has may vary. Romantic relationships can also be tested or strengthened depending on the relationship. This is true whether significant others are on the same campus or different ones.

No matter the level of your experience on campus, good, bad, full of enriching conversation, or simply just average; there will be a day when you’re walking down your hometown street, or having a conversation with a family member, and you will notice that your tone is a little different, or that you have a different opinion than before… and you’ll realize all the ways that you have changed in a place that remains unchanged.