Anyone living in the dorms has gone through the hassle of the winter-break moveout. Even if you are returning in the spring, you have to ensure that your room is spotless and haul everything off of the floor. While I used to think these policies were just pointless busywork, understanding their reasoning has allowed me to appreciate their purpose.
I have always wondered why apartment residents get to stay over break while dorm dwellers are not afforded the same option. After drawing a blank, I asked my peers. Their guesses ranged from cost concerns to arbitrary power play. Unsatisfied with those answers, I turned to Acting Director of Residential Life Andrew Hardee for answers, who offered explanations I had not considered.
The apartments have some important amenities the dorms lack. A full-sized fridge, stove, dining table and ample counter space allows these students to stay on campus even when the dining services close.
As a resident of University Suites, I am limited to microwavable meals while in my dorm. With Schultze and the Hub closed, staying in a dorm over winter break means living off frozen dinners, snacks and fast food. It is possible, but far from pleasant.
According to Hardee, “Many residents are upperclassmen who have more independent living experience, which makes it more feasible for them to remain on campus”.
Student readiness was another factor that I overlooked. The first few semesters of college are a massive adjustment. For many, it is their first time living independently. Thinking back to some of the questionable decisions my friends and I made as freshmen, leaving a bunch of new students on campus over break is not the best idea.
One of the worst parts of move-out is having to get everything off the floor. Hauling everything from chairs to mini fridges onto desks and into tubs is backbreaking work.
A common misconception is that this is so that they can clean the floors. ‘All that work, and for the floors to look exactly the same’ is a phrase you have likely heard or even said. It turns out that is not the case at all.
“This is a precaution in the event of a water leak,” Hardee explained. “We strongly recommend it to help protect students’ belongings, and to allow staff to safely and efficiently access rooms if routine or emergency maintenance is needed.”
If you have lived on campus for more than a few weeks, you have likely had to submit a Fixxit Ticket for one thing or the other. During the semester, a small leak is an inconvenience; over break, however, it can be disastrous. Without you there to report it, something as small as a slight ceiling leak could ruin hundreds of dollars’ worth of your property. In the apartments, residents are usually there to catch problems before they escalate.
Cleared floors also make it safer and easier for maintenance staff, which minimizes potential damage. Workers can access issues quickly without navigating around personal belongings.
Hardee stressed that these policies are not made arbitrarily.
“At ULM, our procedures are designed to balance student safety, facility upkeep, and responsible use of university resources,” Hardee said.
While the policies can feel frustrating, they are there for our benefit. Protecting students’ safety and belongings–even if it means a few hours of heavy lifting–is worth the inconvenience.