Tag Archives: Millersville University

Announcements

MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY FALL 2023 HOUSING MOVE-IN INFORMATION

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The Fall 2023 semester is fast approaching so we want you to be prepared for moving into the residence halls on campus. Please read the following important information.

RESIDENCE HALL ASSIGNMENTS

Residence hall building and room assignments will be available within your student account (i.e., MAX > MyHousing) on Friday, July 14, 2023, after 3:00 p.m.  We appreciate your patience!

MOVING IN

Below are the dates and times you may move onto campus based upon your specific residence hall assignment and whether you are a new, returning, or transfer student. This schedule is designed to mediate the flow of traffic and avoid congestion in and around the residence halls created by the large number of students and families. We appreciate your cooperation in adhering to this schedule. We look forward to having you here at the ‘Ville!

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 2023 – NEW STUDENTS IN LIVING-LEARNING COMMUNITIES (LLCs)

All Halls: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

There is still some space available for LLC participation so we encourage more students to apply via the links listed above.

*LLC students will receive more information individually regarding the Wednesday evening “LLC Welcome BBQ” in the weeks prior to move-in.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 2023 – NEW & TRANSFER STUDENTS

East Village and West Village

8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.               Terrace and First Floors

10:00 a.m. – Noon                      2nd Floor

Noon – 2:00 p.m.                         3rd Floor

South Village

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.                   Terrace and First Floors

12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.               2nd Floor

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.               3rd Floor

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.               4th Floor

Shenks Hall

Noon – 2:00 p.m.          2nd and 3rd Floors

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.   1st Floor

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2023 – RETURNING STUDENTS

East and West Villages 

8:00 a.m. – Noon          All Floors

South Village

Noon – 5 p.m.               All Floors

Shenks Hall

9:00 a.m. – Noon          1st and 2nd Floors

Noon – 3:00 p.m.          3rd Floor

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2023 – RETURNING STUDENTS 

East and West Villages 

8:00 a.m. – Noon              All Floors

South Villages

Noon – 5:00 p.m.             All Floors

Shenks Hall

Noon – 5 p.m.                   All Floors

MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023

Fall semester classes begin

***Click for additional 2023-2024 Academic Year dates.***

 Route & Parking Maps

The links below will open PDF route and parking maps. Please follow the appropriate route for your residence hall:

Black Route – Shenks Hall and West Village

Green Route – East and South Village

Move-In Day Expectations

Once you arrive to campus during your designated day and time, here is what you can expect:

  • Family and / or friends may accompany you for the move-in process for help, but we encourage you to limit the number of individuals needed for support due to traffic congestion and parking availability concerns.
  • The entire move-in process can take between 1-2 hours long during peak periods.
  • Upon your arrival to campus, you will see signs pointing you where to go.
  • Please note that if you have more than one vehicle, only one at a time will be permitted to park next to the building for unloading.
  • When you arrive at your hall, you will be able to unload your belongings. The driver will immediately move the car to the designated parking area while you go to the check-in area to receive your keys.
  • We will have a limited number of student volunteers (“Movers & Shakers”) on hand to help. If you would like assistance, available Movers & Shakers will help you load your belongings into large carts for transport to your room as quickly as possible.
  • Due to the high number of new students moving in, at times you might find it easier to move yourself in without help from a volunteer Mover & Shaker.
  • After you unload the vehicle, you will need to move it to an open parking area, which may be on another part of campus. You will be directed to these areas.
  • We encourage you to pack lightly and bring any hard carts that you may have to expedite your move-in process.
  • Before you unpack everything, use a computer to check your e-mail and complete your room condition report. This is how you note any existing damage or worn items in your room so that you are not charged for them at the end of the year. Do not have a computer handy? Do not worry. We will have hard copies available for you to use. Just ask your RA.

Residential Student Mail and Package Information

Please read this short blog post regarding the mail process here on campus and how students must have their mail and packages addressed.

 Movers & Shakers Volunteering Opportunity

The Department of University Housing & Conference Services (UHCS) is looking for returning students to serve as volunteer  “Movers & Shakers” for move-in help on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Saturday, August 19, 2023, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Movers & Shakers are responsible for meeting and greeting new students, their families, and helping to move students’ belongings into their rooms in the residence halls. Click HERE to find out more and register.

Please feel free to email our office at housing@millersville.edu if you should have any questions or need further clarification.

Intern Spotlight, Staff Spotlight

Meet the Spring 2023 University Housing Marketing Manager Intern – Gabrielle Krick

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My name is Gabrielle Krick, and I am the marketing manager intern for University Housing & Conference Services during the Spring 2023 semester. This internship allowed me to gain valuable experiences in the behind-the-scenes of marketing and management at a university. I also learned an immense amount of information about what goes into making the residence halls as incredible as they are. I am extremely grateful for this experience and what it has done for my growth, both professionally and personally.

What did you learn about marketing and blogging?

I learned a lot more goes into marketing and blogging than what I previously realized. Originally, I thought that multiple posts could be completed within a day, but I very quickly realized a singular post could take days to actually curate, particularly if outside sources are being used to contribute to the post.

It is also a job that often has undetermined hours. There were days I was done with work by lunch time and others where I logged into our social media at 8 p.m. to work on posts. Monitoring social media is a very timely process that definitely has its sweet spots for ensuring an ample success rate.

Finally, I feel I really learned what exactly my voice is in the blogging realm. While there is a right and wrong way to blog, especially when you are the voice behind a university department, it is also important to differentiate yourself from every other blog by appropriately using your voice. This semester, I found my voice, and what I plan for it to be in the future.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned I can handle a lot more than what I previously expected of myself.  While working 20 hours a week on this internship, I also had three courses I was taking, another part-time job, and two clubs that I am on the board for. In the beginning weeks of the semester, it was a lot. So much so, that I thought there was no way I could handle it all for the duration of a 15-week semester. I persevered though, nailed down my routine, and made it through my final semester as an undergraduate student. I learned I am capable of so much more than I give myself credit for.

What is your favorite blog post that you wrote?

My favorite blog post that I wrote is The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Involved in College. This was a really personal piece for me. The organizations I am apart of at Millersville University are truly what have gotten me through the past four years. Without these outlets, I do not know that I would have made it, and it was surreal getting to share those experiences through a blog post that I hope helped at least one student.

What was your most memorable project?

My most memorable project was more of a general experience that I got to participate in throughout the semester. I was able to work with an actual marketing team. It was incredibly exciting and rewarding getting to interact and collaborate with professionals in areas I hope to work full-time in after graduation. Also, witnessing them interacting, specifically on Microsoft Teams, was interesting. While it may have seemed insignificant to them, I was taking note each day of how my coworkers were operating successfully as a team, rather then just individuals.

What are your plans for the future?

I am currently planning to move to Philadelphia to pursue an undetermined role in marketing. I am excited to venture out of the small town I have spent most of my childhood in and be closer to family in the process.

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Lifestyle / Hall Life, Student Life

Spring Into the End of the Semester

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Spring has officially sprung on Millersville’s campus as we enter into, in my opinion, some of the worst weeks of the semester. The countdown is on until graduation and summer break, and it cannot come fast enough. As professors cram the last of assignments and finals creep up on us, it is sometimes hard to really enjoy the beautiful weather. So, let’s discuss what exactly you can do during this time of year on a college campus.

Study outside: Utilize this weather to get the never ending assignments and studying you need to do, done. I get it, just because the weather is warming up, does not mean that your list of to dos is decreasing. Rather than sulking over the fact that there is much to be done, utilize the multiple outdoor locations around campus for studying outside.

Take a walk: Walk around the entirety of campus, even those parts you have yet to explore. Or venture into the neighboring communities near campus. Millersville is luckily equipped with plenty of sidewalks and neighborhoods that are perfect for taking a mid-day walk on a warm day.

Explore local markets: Specifically, explore the Lancaster Central Market or downtown Lancaster in general. On a warm spring day, walking around downtown Lancaster and the market is something out of a Hallmark movie, I promise.

Attend sports events: Whether it is a local game or a Millersville specific team, take a warm day to sit outside and enjoy an outdoor sport, while also supporting your university. This can be a fun way to spend time with friends or also a way to support friends who play a sport. It is never a bad idea to have a little school spirit, too.

Relax and recharge: Warm weather is the perfect excuse to give yourself a break to relax and recharge. As a college student, this time of year is exhausting and extremely hard to push through. Take a nice day as a sign to take a nap in your portable hammock or to not touch your laptop for 24 hours. Sometimes, that is exactly what your brain and body need to get back on track.

Soon you will be able to enjoy the spring weather as a simple task without having to worry about impending due dates. Until then, balance fun and work as best you can, and utilize these tips as much as possible. Happy Spring, Marauders!

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice, Events / Programs, Resources

Networking In College

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As we approach the end of the semester, topics such as networking start to cross our mind. Whether we are seniors preparing for the real world or freshmen bunkering down for the next few years, this topic can still be just as important to us both. Networking is a crucial part of a college student’s career development. So, here are some tips on how to network effectively as a college student.

Attend career fairs: Most colleges organize career fairs where you can meet with employers from various industries. Attend these events to learn about career opportunities and to connect with potential employers. Millersville has a career and internship fair each semester that is extremely helpful for connecting with potential employers.

Join student organizations: Joining student organizations related to your field of interest can help you meet other students who share your passion and can also provide opportunities for networking with alumni and industry professionals. It may not seem like the obvious answer, but sometimes the fun you have outside the classroom can also assist in helping you network.

Connect with alumni: Your college’s alumni network can be an excellent resource for networking. Reach out to alumni who are working in your desired field and ask for advice or mentorship. It is especially helpful if these alumni are working at your desired destination for employment.

Utilize social media: LinkedIn is a valuable tool for networking, as it allows you to connect with professionals in your field and join industry groups. Follow leaders and companies in your field on Twitter and other social media platforms to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends.

Attend workshops and events: Attend workshops and events related to your field to expand your knowledge and network with professionals in your industry. Some universities and clubs on campus offer these, or just research events close to where you live.

Informational interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask for an informational interview. This can be a valuable opportunity to learn about their career path and gain advice on how to break into the industry. It is also great practice for the interview process that you will experience when searching for a job.

Remember that networking is about building relationships, so focus on building genuine connections with the people you meet. Keep in touch with your contacts and follow up with them periodically to maintain the relationship. Networking reflects the effort you put into it. Happy Spring! Only one month to go Marauders.

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code: 

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Advice, Health & Wellness

Overcoming Distractions: Tips for Staying Productive at Home

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Working from home, or even taking classes online, has become the new norm since 2020. While many of us have adapted to this vast change, there still is a lot to learn about overcoming distractions and staying productive at home. Keep reading for my tips and tricks on how to stay motivated while working from home.

Create a designated workspace: Set up a dedicated workspace that is comfortable and free from distractions. This will help you maintain focus and productivity. While it can be tempting to convert your bed to a desk during the work day, this is a prime example of how a nap could sneak its way into a meeting.

Stick to a routine: Try to maintain a regular schedule, including regular working hours, breaks, and mealtimes. This will help you stay on track and avoid burnout. It is easy to take the leniency of being at home all day as opportunity to complete tasks at different times each day. Stick to a schedule though, and I promise your productivity will not falter.

Dress for success: While you do not need to dress as formally as you would for an office job, it can help to get dressed and groomed each day to signal to yourself that it is time to work. Staying in your pajamas is tempting, but to your mind you are not in work mode until you are changed and groomed.

Minimize distractions: Turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your computer, and let family members know when you are working so they don’t interrupt you. Without the watchful eye of leaders around, it can be tempting to take a quick TV break, but this makes it that much harder to get back on track with your work day.

Take breaks: It is important to take regular breaks throughout the day to avoid burnout and maintain focus. Get up and stretch, take a walk outside, or do some other form of physical activity to help refresh your mind. When you would normally take a bathroom break or converse with a coworker at the office, now take that time to be with yourself, away from work.

Communicate with your team: Make sure you stay in touch with your colleagues through email, chat, or video conferencing tools. This will help you stay connected and feel less isolated. This will also hold you accountable for completing tasks throughout the day.

Set boundaries: It can be easy to blur the line between work and personal time when you’re working from home. Set clear boundaries around when you are working and when you are off the clock to help maintain a healthy work-life balance. It is also acceptable to voice these boundaries to those you live with and those you work with.

Practice self-care: Working from home can be isolating, so it is important to take care of your mental health. Make time for activities that you enjoy and that help you relax, such as reading, listening to music, or taking a bath. I would especially recommend planning time to get out of your house, so you are not confined to the same four walls for days on end.

Working from home, or taking classes online, is not for everyone. It is important to acknowledge that. While these tips and tricks should help with keeping distractions at bay while working from home, there is no guarantee this is the lifestyle for you. Always take that into account and advocate for yourself and your personal needs.

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

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Advice

Email Etiquette 101: Best Practices for Writing Professional Emails

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Emails are often your first opportunity at an effective first impression. Whether it is an advisor or a potential supervisor, it is always important to set an appropriate example of yourself through your emails. Continue reading to get my tips and tricks on how to write a professional email.

Start with a clear subject line: Your subject line should be concise and accurately convey the content of the email. Often, the subject line is neglected in emails. By creating a subject line, you are clearly deciphering what your email is about to the recipient.

Address the recipient properly: Use a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Name]” or “Hello [Title and Name].” Besides your subject line, this is the first thing your recipient is reading. Addressing them correctly and professionally will ensure you present yourself as a respectable person.

Keep it brief and to the point: Professional emails should be concise and focused. Get to the point quickly, and avoid rambling or including irrelevant details. Often, professional advisors and supervisors have countless emails in their inbox from day to day. The last thing they want to do is waste time on reading your email with unneeded information in it.

Use proper grammar and spelling: Double-check your email for any grammatical errors or misspelled words. This will help you come across as more professional and competent. There is nothing more discouraging then emailing with someone who clearly did not proofread their writing.

Be courteous and respectful: Always be polite and respectful when writing professional emails. This includes using appropriate language, avoiding slang or informal expressions, and using a professional tone.

Provide context and clarity: Make sure to provide enough context so the recipient can understand the purpose of the email. Use clear and concise language, and avoid using jargon or technical terms that the recipient may not be familiar with. It is important to get your point across with the correct context without needing to reply on multiple emails.

Use a clear call to action: If you need the recipient to take action, make sure to clearly communicate what you need from them and when you need it by. Again, many supervisors and advisors are responding to countless emails in a day. Clearly requesting what you need from the recipient is extremely important.

Sign off appropriately: Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best regards,” and include your name and contact information. This will ensure your recipient knows exactly who they are communicating with and how to reach you outside of your email.

Proofread before sending: Always proofread your email before hitting send. This will help you catch any mistakes or errors and ensure that your email is professional and effective. From grammar to dates, you want to make sure every detail of your email is specific and correct.

Remember, the way you communicate in professional emails can have a large impact on your reputation and your success in your career. By following these tips, you can ensure that your emails are professional, effective, and help you achieve your goals.

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post! 

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Academics, Advice, Lists

10 Motivational Quotes To Get You Through the Rest Of the Semester

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It is that time of the semester again, where the post Spring Break blues kick in. While the end of the semester seems so close, impending assignment due dates and school obligations are all but giving us comfort. As a senior, trust me, I get it. So, here are 10 quotes to help get you through the rest of the semester.

  1. “Education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein
  2. “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.” – Winston Churchill
  3. “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them.” – Michael Jordan
  4. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss
  5. “A little progress each day adds up to big results.” – Satya Nani
  6. “It never gets easier. You just get better.” – Jordan Hoechlin
  7. “Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln
  8. “Just remember, you can’t climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
  9. “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” – Steve Martin
  10. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day-in and day-out.” – Robert Collier

While these quotes will not complete your assignments for you, I hope they tell you what you have been needing to hear. We are a short five weeks away from the end of the semester. Keep going Marauders.

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post! 

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Announcements

Millersville University Residence Hall Spring Break 2023 Bulletin

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Spring Break for the residence halls will begin at 10pm on Friday, March 3, 2023, after night classes. All students planning to stay for Spring Break must register by completing the “Spring Break Application” that is in your MyHousing Account. There is no additional cost to stay over the break, but you must apply to be approved. All students that apply to stay are approved and you will receive an email confirmation once you have completed the application. The application will close at 5pm on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Students not staying for Spring Break can return to the halls starting at 12 noon on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

To complete the application, follow these instructions:

1.     Log into your MAX Account

2.     Select Student Services

3.     Select Housing & Dining

4.     Select MyHousing

5.     In your MyHousing Account, go to the Applications tab on the left side and complete the “Spring Break Application.”

6.     Once you complete the application, you will receive an email stating that your application was completed.

 

The Residence Hall Staff may conduct Health and Safety Inspections in each residence hall suite at the start of the Spring break. Please carefully review the following instructions and information to avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct for improper maintenance of your residence hall suite/room.

 

Spring Break Housing Information:

  • Guests and Visitation is not permitted during the break. Guest visitation will start back up at 12noon on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
  • Residence Hall Offices will have limited hours of operation during the break – see front desk for contact information.
  • See Dining Services , Health Services, The Hub websites for hours of operation.
  • Students are not required to surrender residence hall keys to the staff prior to leaving for the break.
  • The Housekeeping and Facilities Management Staffs may be working in the campus residence halls to perform maintenance tasks during the break that require entrance to resident rooms.

 

Spring Break Preparation Procedures:

Prior to the start of the break, all resident students MUST:

  • Dispose of all trash by removing it to the dumpster in the parking lots outside your residence hall.
  • Clean your room/suite, including sweeping the floor and wiping down furniture.
  • Clean your bathroom and report any issues with constant run toilets, sinks, and showers to the residence hall staff.
  • Remove stale food from your refrigerator and properly dispose of it through proper trash removal.
  • If you are leaving for the break, turn off the lights.
  • If you are leaving for the break, set the thermostat to 70 degrees.
  • If you are leaving for the break, close and lock your room window (Villages).
  • If you are leaving for the break, lower the blinds halfway, but leave them open.
  • If you are leaving for the break, lock your bedroom door and your suite door.
  • If you are leaving for the break, please move all items from your residence hall floor, especially computer equipment and any items that can be damaged by flooding.
  • If you are leaving for the break and you have a Learning Services approved animal in your room, you MUST take the animal with you. You MAY NOT leave animals in the residence hall in the care of another student or staff member.

Have a wonderful and safe Spring Break!

Advice, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Student Life

From Residence Hall to Home

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College. Your home away from home. There is nothing more important than your space. It is the place you begin and end your day with. And even if you wish to ignore it, your space has countless effects on your frame of mind. So, let us discuss some easy tactics for making your residence hall and college experience one to look back on and smile about.  

Utilize something that reminds you of home. Whether that is a small keepsake that a parent gave to you or a framed picture of you and friends, having reminders of home serve as nice decorative touches for your room. Have something that you will look at and be immediately reminded of your home, however that is defined for you. Home is often a mindset rather than just a physical space.  

Curtains for your closet. Install some curtains to act as a door to your closet. This will prevent your closet contents from being visible to everyone that enters your suite. To install this easy fix, I recommend purchasing an adjustable curtain rod with stoppers on the ends, to best fit your closets size. Do not forget to measure your closet when purchasing a curtain, as well. Then, just put the curtain on the rod and adjust the rod to the desired length to secure it as a make shift door on your closet. Somewhere such as Amazon is the perfect place to find these items at an inexpensive price. And if this explanation is not suitable for you, YouTube is a great resource for researching this hack.

Always remember the word “comfort”. At the end of the day your residence hall room is your space. You sleep, do homework, have friends over, relax, and even eat there sometimes. Remember that your suite is multifunctional. So when you are shopping for items to fill your space with, do not forget while the residence hall is your bedroom, it is also your living room, study space, and kitchen. 

Go for interchangeable and inexpensive décor. College is a time of immense change. Throughout the several years you spend here, I would be willing to bet your style will alter. So, instead of spending an unnecessary amount of money on décor, lower the budget a bit and buy interchangeable items.  

Acknowledge that home is not always a physical space. While aesthetic décor, plants, and framed pictures are great, it is also important to realize that home is so much more than the space you spend your days in. It is a feeling, the people you surround yourself with, and the memories you make in that space. While a residence hall room can be so different from what you are used to, it can be just as sweet of an experience with the right mindset and people to fill the space.  

College is a time to truly grow into yourself and the person that you are away from the people that have shaped you for most of your life. While it is great to remind yourself of where you came from, do not forget to make your own memories and definition of home. 

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.  

Subscribe to our blog to receive email notifications whenever we make a new post! 

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter: @villehousing. Twitter QR Code: 

Instagram: @villehousing. Instagram Nametag: 

Advice, Events / Programs, Lifestyle / Hall Life, Resources, Student Life

The Dos and Don’ts of Getting Involved In College

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One of the most important details of your development as a person while in college, yet one of the most overlooked, is getting involved. For most of us, college is the first extended period we have spent away from home. And while that thought may not invoke intense fear for you, it is still important to recognize this large shift in routine. You may feel right at home at college, or like you have it all figured out from the start, but getting involved on campus can only benefit you in the long run for countless reasons. So, let us discuss the dos and don’ts of getting involved in college.  

To start, use your resources. There is no need for “do’s and don’ts” if you do not even know what your college campus has to offer for clubs and activities. Millersville University makes it simple. Visit https://getinvolved.millersville.edu/ for all your organization, event, and involvement needs. The site is broken down into sections and makes it incredibly simple to sift through clubs and organizations that you may be interested in.  

Begin with the obvious. I have danced my whole life, so the first organizations that I sought out when I arrived on campus were Millersville’s Dance Team and Expressions Dance. It made complete sense, and as a senior, I am happy to say I have spent four amazing years with Expressions Dance and owe it to that club for introducing me to my lifeline friends. Then, go with the not so obvious. Just because you have a club you are set in does not mean that there are not others that are a great match for you as well. For me, that was Her Campus, an organization all about college women using their voices in an online magazine and blog site.  I joined because a dance friend recommended it, went to an info session, and fell in love with their message as a club. I have now been writing for Her Campus for over a year, allowing myself to speak my mind while also gaining blogging experience.  

Differentiate between organizations that are beneficial to your career or are just extracurriculars. Balancing between both is so important; you cannot have fun without the work. So, I recommend joining a club because it is something that you love and then also because it will give you experience. Brownie points if you can find a club that does both. Dance is fun for me, but I have no intention of going into the performance industry. I do however plan to go into the marketing world post-graduation, so, Her Campus has been extremely helpful in this sense with giving me real life blogging opportunities.  

Recognize when you need to step up. No matter if an organization is fun or all business, stepping up into a leadership role is always a great experience. Not only is it a great resume booster, but it is also an amazing opportunity to work with other students and faculty in a more professional sense. I have been lucky enough to be a teacher for Expressions Dance and serve on their board throughout my junior and senior years. This specific experience has taught me immense patience, accountability, and respect for my peers that I work with. As for Her Campus, I have had the pleasure of running their social media pages for the past school year. This has given me so much experience in the marketing aspect, which I have spent the past four years studying and hope to continue with my career.  

While joining an organization can be exciting, it is also important to recognize when it might not be the right fit. This could be due to scheduling conflicts, the amount of time involved, or not what you thought it was going to be, so it is alright to turn down a club. While college schedules are frequently flexible, you do still have a life. From alone time, to homework, and social events, you do not want to take away from these equally important things just because you want to join a club. Burnout is real and while your first year on campus may be jam packed and you made it through just fine, remember you still have at least seven semesters to go. And they only get busier. So be picky with your clubs and only join those few that you know you are either getting important experience from or extreme happiness.  

Despite the immense information just given, it is important to remember that clubs are supposed to be the stress relievers of college. I go to dance, and I forget about that massive project I have due next week and additional stressors that I have. While we are all here for an education, we are also all here for enriching experiences, and those experiences will not just come with sitting in a classroom. Get out of your residence hall, make new friends, and join an organization that you will miss come graduation.  

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Gabrielle Krick is a senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Management and minor in Marketing at Millersville University. Her interests include human resources, social media marketing, and content marketing. When she graduates in May 2023, Gabby hopes to work for a large company’s human resources department, specifically representing minorities and the LGBTQ community. She hopes to either stay in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area or move somewhere near Rehoboth, Delaware.   

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