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Welcoming New Residents- The Res Life Approach

Welcoming New Residents- The Res Life Approach. Lee Fellows Senior Residence Life Co-ordinator. The Student Experience in University Accommodation. We provide more than just a room Services and support are constantly evolving

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Welcoming New Residents- The Res Life Approach

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  1. Welcoming New Residents- The Res Life Approach Lee Fellows Senior Residence Life Co-ordinator

  2. The Student Experience in University Accommodation • We provide more than just a room • Services and support are constantly evolving • Increasingly influenced by developments in the US - Residence Life is a recognised profession • Australia – not far behind in many aspects

  3. Accommodation – key part of the Student Experience • As expectations rise Accommodation is a huge part of the Student Experience • For new students each year a significant part of that experience is provided around their accommodation • Where they live, sleep, socialise and study • Pre-arrival and the first week are important in establishing what their time here will be like

  4. Major period of transition • They spend more time with us than anywhere else • First time away from home • First time away from home country • Challenges • Managing expectations • Providing correct support • Providing varied activities

  5. Our Induction • Pre Arrival • Strong website with images and clear precise information

  6. Facebook Each Residence has a Facebook group administrated by a member of Staff and RA. Residents join before arrival. This means we can build an online community before residents arrive Provides advice, guidance and can assist with induction before arrival Can help with anxiety before residents arrive, provides reassurance and a feeling of ‘I am not the only one’

  7. Online Induction • Delivers what we consider to be the essential information residents need • Talks through the Residence contract • Provides links to other areas of information • All residents advised they must do this before arrival

  8. Arrival and Coming Up Weekend • Each site staffed by Wardens, RAs and Fresher’s Helpers • 9am till 10pm Saturday and Sunday • Help to relax residents on arrival • Provide a friendly face • Organise welcome events • Welcome Talk with Warden • Get site ready before hand- welcome packs and welcome letters

  9. Welcome Week • A wide variety of events and activities • RAs must complete a list of essential activities- local area tours, tours to academic buildings and ensure residents are taken to EUSA activities on the first night. • Organise social event and activities around Edinburgh all week • We do not provide alcohol led events

  10. Community Development & Events • Focus on Whole Student • Ensure that students are engaged and happy in their new homes • Emphasis on Community Building • Academic Colleges focus on “school learning” Res Life focuses on “life lessons” • Offer students events throughout the year based on the following themes: • Getting to Know Edinburgh • Wellness/Athletic • Cultural/Diversity • Holiday • Site Tradition • Sustainability • Charity

  11. Welfare • RA and professional staff look for residents who are homesick and not integrating • Provide initial support and will signpost to areas in the university where help can be given • On-going through the year (chit-chats, pantry kitchen talks, Warden Hours)

  12. How are we measuring success? • To measure our success we: • Conduct 2 surveys each year (Bristol and EBI) • Use information gathered from New Student Survey • Benchmark against other institutions so we know where to improve

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