Dorm Life 2015: A Guide to Residential Life at Olney

As summer reaches its climax, youths from a dozen states and nearly as many countries will converge upon Barnesville, Ohio, in late August — many for the first time as Olney students. For most, the start of the school year also means a transition to dorm life. While excitement is generally high for annual traditions such as Almost Anything Goes (AAG) and All Student Weekend‘s bonding activities, perhaps the most exciting part of an incoming boarding student’s first week is the announcement of room assignments.

While a select few may find themselves moving into a single room — a luxury usually reserved for students selected as members of dorm staff — most will spend the weekend before school officially begins styling their living quarters and getting acquainted with their new roommates. In most cases, two Olney students will share a dorm room, though some of the larger rooms will have three occupants.

These pairings often lead to unexpected connections. Many students have arrived on campus to meet a roommate who would eventually become a cherished friend. Students also sign a “roommate agreement” during the first week of school to establish expectations between one another and from the school.

Each Spring, a number of returning students are selected to serve as members of student dorm staff, assuming responsibilities as role models for their peers. These students work alongside the faculty members who also serve as dorm sponsors to ensure a safe, clean, positive residential living experience.

So, what do Olney students need in their dorm rooms?

While the following list is not necessarily comprehensive, some of the major items that should be brought to campus include:

– Bedding (for twin size mattresses), including bed sheets, blankets, pillows and cases

– Seasonal clothing — winters in Ohio can get chilly!

– Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste, shampoo, soap/body wash, deodorant, sanitary products, etc.)

– Electronic devices (laptops, cell phones, video game systems, stereos, televisions, etc.)

– Non-perishable food items (snacks, beverages, etc.)

– Academic supplies (pens, pencils, notebooks, highlighters, markers, etc.)

– Decorative items (posters, throw rugs, etc.)

– Miscellaneous items (lamps, totes/bins, duffel bags, etc.)

Students are not permitted to use items with a heating element in their rooms, such as rice cookers, hair dryers or electric blankets. They are, however, allowed to bring these items, provided they are used in the designated areas.

If you have any questions about dorm life, please contact Micah Brownstein, Student Life Coordinator.