Making Campus Your Home

Transcript

Let’s say hello to Maria, a junior neuroscience major who is transformed by living on campus. Maria says she began college with uncertainty venturing into this next chapter. At UTD, she found a welcoming campus that quickly put her fears at ease. Living learning communities inside freshman residence halls, peer advisors, and cultural diversity, made all the difference. Maria, go for it!

– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I started my first semester at UTD, I was terrified of what it meant to move outta home and begin a new phase in my life. I was overwhelmed by the idea of living by myself and juggling new freedoms and responsibilities. Surprisingly, I would come to learn that living on campus was an integral part of my college experience. I took a leap of faith and soon I was planning my own meals, balancing my schedule with commitments and academic responsibilities, exploring different organizations and extracurricular opportunities, and building friendships in my residential community. I found a home in UTD and I was able to explore campus and immerse myself in the resources that UTD has to offer to enhance my freshman experience. I tried out new things, made diverse friendships, and challenged my boundaries. UTD housing brings residents together by building a supportive and comfortable community. UTD offers recreational facilities and a diverse range of group fitness programs for students. Freshmen are encouraged to build community through fun events that are centered around resident education. UTD dining provides residents with quality and affordable meals that incorporate different dietary needs and cultural backgrounds. Residential life also builds the framework to enhance the students’ growth by establishing the leadership role of peer advisors in our community. As a peer advisor myself, I act as a peer that residents can see eye to eye with. Peer advisors build relationships with their residents and create opportunities for residents to be more engaged in campus and community events. Life at UTD has been an amazing experience for me as a student, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the college experience. This place has launched me into a new phase of my life, and I know UTD can be a home to you too. Back to you, Alex.

– Maria, thank you for sharing how the UTD residential community helped you find your independence and leadership skills. No doubt these attributes will set you up for success after graduation. And it’s a great example of how success for one Comet can help Comets all around.