In order to ease the transition into more independent living arrangements, Augustana College mandates that students live on campus for the first three years.
Students often live in traditional dorms for their first two years of college to experience communal living. However, the third year of this housing arrangement is a model known as Transitional Living Areas (TLAs), but it fails to transition students into life after college.
There is a severe lack of promotion of information regarding available resources. There is an abundance of support services and workshops available, but many students are unaware of them.
TLAs are on-campus homes and apartments owned by the college that act as a transitional living arrangement between living in a dorm and a home or apartment. Despite the good intentions behind TLAs, the college could offer more direction and assistance in making this transition.
Students should take the initiative to seek help when needed, but the college could also do more to actively promote these resources.
Financial management is an important issue which can influence student experiences during and after college.
One example is when they start grocery shopping by themselves. While students can choose to purchase a meal plan from the college, many opt to do their own grocery shopping to save money and gain responsibility when in transitional housing
However, this transition can be challenging for those who haven’t managed a budget before. The college could provide assistance by offering workshops on budgeting, responsible spending and meal planning. It’s easy for students to overspend on groceries if they’re not well-informed and some help can prevent this financial hardship.
Living in transitional housing does present students with the opportunity for more independence, but it does little to actually help them in finding off-campus housing during their final year
The annual Landlord Fair, organized by the Office of Residential Life, is a great initiative that connects students with reputable landlords.
However, more workshops and information on the process of finding and signing a rental contract could ease the transition into off-campus living, which is a major stepping stone for many students.
Also, by the time the housing fair happens, many leases have already been signed. This makes the options available for students attending the fair limited.
Some people might argue that these workshops and resources might hinder students’ development of independence. Rather, they are tools to equip students with essential life skills.
The goal is to empower them with knowledge and resources that will enable them to thrive in the real world. Building independence doesn’t mean leaving students to fend for themselves; it means providing them with the skills and support to navigate life successfully.
While Augustana College’s approach to on-campus living for the first three years has its benefits, there are valid concerns that students have raised. Providing more information, guidance and resources can enhance the overall student experience.
These changes don’t diminish the goal of promoting independence. Instead, they ensure that students are better prepared and equipped to take on the challenges of the real world. It’s a well-balanced approach that fosters growth while providing support when needed.