The University experience can be exciting, challenging and extremely rewarding. These experiences are enhanced by living on campus. National statistics show that students who live on campus maintain higher grade point averages and have a higher graduation rate than students who do not live on campus. Here at William Paterson University of New Jersey, our residence communities offer unique programs to assist students with the transition to living on campus and programs that offer skills to maintain their academic success. Living on campus at William Paterson University offers an on-campus learning environment that is welcoming to all students, and fosters the development of residents through leadership opportunities, educational experiences, and community involvement. Living on campus provides the opportunity to develop lasting friendships, live with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and increase your personal growth. The greatest advantages of living on campus are in the following categories: Convenience Our resident students enjoy the convenience of living close to classrooms, computer labs, study groups, the library, and campus activities. Resident students say that they take better advantage of the services and clubs offered on campus when they live right here. There is flexibility to do more because you do not have to lose time during the day with a long commute. Friendships Many students speak of the special friendships they make while living on campus. Residence halls offer the opportunity for social settings in a variety of areas. Study groups and peer groups offer different types of gatherings in quieter lounges in the halls, and larger social activities bring the community as a whole together to enjoy seasonal events. Independence Living on your own leaves you to make all the decisions about your life, and living in a residential community offers the support for those decisions on a daily basis. You have independent living with the addition of peer assistance. All this leads to a good feeling about your accomplishments as an adult, and it is a reason many students remain living on campus. Community Living You are responsible for yourself, but you are also responsible to community standards. Resident students learn to live in a community of peers that are varied and diverse like no other you will experience. It is by working together and establishing close interpersonal relationships that the floor’s residents will build a strong community. Resident Assistants are present to assist in establishing a healthy community; however it is the residents who can provide leadership in the direction and development of activities. In addition, the welfare of the residents of the floor and residence hall are always paramount in considering policies and Residence Life Guidelines.
