Tips for Your First Year in Res

Hey Incoming HOEMies! Congratulations on being accepted into Ryerson! We’re so excited for you to be staying with us here at HOEM during your time in Toronto. Moving into a new city and a new place can be daunting, so that’s why we’ve compiled a list of what you need to know for your first year in residence.

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1. Packing – don’t overpack.

All of HOEM's suites come fully furnished with most of what you may need. There are enough plates, cups, utensils, chairs and pots for you and all your roommates. No need to take up precious food space in your cupboard with all of these duplicate things. Follow the list of what Ryerson tells you to bring. Also, bring some things from back home to decorate your room. You’ll be living here for the next few months, so make the space your own. 

 

2. Bring food.

While there will be tons of free food all over campus during frosh week, trust me when I say you will probably not have time during the week to go grocery shopping. Bring some food to campus when you move in, maybe even just the necessities.

 

3. Meet new people.

Know someone from high school coming to Ryerson as well? That’s awesome! Keep them close, because it’s nice to have someone from back home around. With that being said, don’t cling to each other during the first week. It’s important to meet new people and make new friends. When you move in, leave your door open! Let people stop by and say hi. Make sure you attend your first floor meeting so you’ll meet the people you’ll be living with for the next year.

 

4. Go to Frosh.

Between the day you move in and the day classes start there are tons of amazing frosh events. This is a great way to meet new people and learn all about campus! Make sure you go to these! You have all year to explore your new city, and you will not want to spend the next 8 months alone on campus.

 

5. Have fun – but be safe!

We were all first year students once as well, we know how exciting frosh can be. For many of you, this will be the first time away from home and your parents, which can be tempting. However, with that being said, make smart choices and use your best judgement. If you’re concerned about your safety or the safety of a friend, it brings me to my next point- talk with your RA.

 

6. Get to know your RA and AL.

Ryerson Housing and Residence Life works extremely hard to make sure you succeed and feel supported during the school year. Get to know your RAs and ALs. They are great people to turn to with questions about Toronto, campus, academics and just life. They’ve gone to Ryerson for at least a year now, and probably have many tips and tricks to succeed. RAs and ALs are students just like you and are specially trained to offer you support.

 

7. Get involved on Campus.

I can’t stress this one enough. Get involved. As a residence student, you have such an advantage over the commuter students, you don’t have far to travel. Take advantage of living on campus and go to as many student group events as you can. Join your course union, an interest group, get an on-campus job, etc. Getting involved teaches you what the classroom can’t.

 

Follow these suggestions and you’ll be sure to start your year off on the right foot. Welcome HOEM and we can’t wait to meet you all in person!