It is often said that students get the full college experience when they live on campus. Students who choose to live in the dorms do so for different reasons, whether it be to focus on their studies, to gain their own independence, or to be more involved on campus.
“I decided to live on campus so I could get more involved, such as going to events or joining some of the cool organizations at Lamar,” Karina Chavez, Anahuac senior, said, “I also get some space for myself, since back at home I share a room with three sisters.”
A study by the National Library of Medicine said living on a college campus is beneficial.
According to the study, a positive dormitory environment allows students to get better sleep, motivates them to study harder, and allows them to relax when needed.
The study also states that good hygiene contributes to students feeling at ease, while bad hygiene usually correlates to stress or depression.
The study also states that students who stay in dorms are most likely to sign up for leadership roles, achieve honors, and consider their study time to occupy an average proportion of their extracurricular life.
Port Arthur freshman Camille Hernandez said she agrees with the study’s conclusions.
“I’d say the dorms have helped me become more independent in a sense. I have more control over my schedule, and I don’t have anyone on my shoulder to give me reminders.” Hernandez said. “This is really my first experience living away from my parents even if it is just a 20-minute drive.”
Chavez said living in the dorms helped her become more independent.
“(It’s) knowing how to clean, thinking of what I’m going to eat that day and set aside a time to make sure I wash my clothes,” she said. “Moreover, having a schedule to keep up with.”
Devyn Garrett, senior and exercise science major, has lived on campus since she has came to Lamar and also said she enjoys living on her own schedule.
“I decided to live on campus because I live in Missouri City and I’m not commuting from Missouri City to Beaumont four times out of the week — and I also wanted the college experience.” Garett said. “I want to have my own room, my own dorm. I like living alone and I like leaving my dorm whenever I want too.”
Resident life allows students to make closer connections while they are away from home.
“I actually met my friends in Gentry, but we got closer when we moved to Morris and our connection grew from there.” Garrett said. “My positive experiences that I’ve had in the dorms are hanging out with my friends and getting closer with my friends. Being able to cook meals with them in the communal kitchen and going to the events that the RA’s host in the dorms for residents.”
Chavez has also made connections while interacting with others on campus at the radio station, classmates, and club members.
“Apart from my roommate, I don’t feel as if I made many connections with anyone. Most of the connections I made have been pre-existing or made though my classmates or clubs.” Hernandez said.