A Second Home

A fundamental part of the residential education experience at Stetson is that students live in communities with and learn from other students, who might be very different from themselves. That's why our assignment processes don't involve considerations of entertainment preferences, social values, political views, religious beliefs, economic background, etc. Cardinal John Henry Newman explained this concept over a century ago in The Idea of a University:

“How is this to be explained? I suppose as follows: When a multitude of young men [and women], keen and open-hearted, sympathetic, and observant as young men [and women] are, come together and freely mix with each other, they are sure to learn one from another, even if there be no one to teach them; the conversation of all is a series of lectures to each, and they gain for themselves new ideas and views, fresh matter of thought, and distinct principles for judging and acting, day by day.”

Stetson University is a residential liberal arts university that is entirely rooted in our values of personal growth, intellectual development and global citizenship. Our staff in Residential Living and Learning are striving to create a residential environment in which there are many opportunities for students to freely mix with one another. We ensure that there are staff and students present to provide insights and foster personal growth while in the residence halls. Residents will have numerous opportunities to be involved and engaged in a community that is grounded in learning objectives.

Whether a student is just meeting their roommate or they have been great friends for years, the roommate experience is one that prepares them for a life of relationships where there must be a compromise between different ways of doing things, diverse lifestyles and viewpoints. These lessons will be invaluable to them as they go through life's relationships, in personal friendships, marriage or committed relationships and the workplace. As a parent or family member of a student, you can be a great resource to help them think about how to engage a roommate relationship in a positive way, rather than walking away or ignoring issues because those options will not always exist. Also, take some time to think about meaningful relationships you have had in your life that were unexpected, difficult at first or occurred with someone who is very different from yourself. These are the stories that will help your student when things are not easy for them.

Now, you are probably thinking, “but what if?” We do acknowledge that there may be some valid reasons students would like to request a room change. There is a “no questions asked” room change period after the second full week of classes in the fall semester, where students may request to change rooms. Requests can be submitted through Housing Central after the Fall semester begins and are granted as possible on a space-available basis. It is important to know that if we have very few first-year vacancies, it may be more difficult to change rooms. Please know that there will also be opportunities to change rooms both at the end of the Fall semester and the beginning of the Spring semester.

Two great resources for your student throughout their time at Stetson will be their Resident Assistant and Residential Life Coordinator. These individuals live in the buildings and are available to help students with any concerns as they adjust to life at Stetson. Also, feel free to reach out to the appropriate Residential Life Coordinator if you have pressing questions or concerns.

We hope that Stetson University will very quickly become a second home for your student.