Transitional living at Augustana

As an international student coming to the United States for the first time to attend college, I faced a mix of excitement and anxiety when I first arrived at Augustana College — especially about living in a new country with new people. The thought of living in an unfamiliar place away from everything I knew made me feel both excited for the independence and nervous about the challenges of settling in. Would I be able to find a comfortable space in such a different culture? 

As I complete my fourth year at Augie, I finally found the answer: YES! I’ve experienced the transition from living in a dorm  to living off-campus and gained invaluable lessons about friendship, independence and self-management to prepare for the next chapter of my life.

Building connections

In my first days of freshman year, I remember feeling anxious as I unpacked my belongings alone in the dorm room, unsure of what to expect. Fortunately, the warm support from my Community Advisor (CA) made a world of difference.

My CA patiently guided me through the basics of on-campus life, like using laundry cards and meal swipes, and answered my questions about classes and how to get around campus. Coming to Augustana was my first experience living with someone from another country, especially from a culture that is different from mine. However, I never felt alone during the transition.

My CA sometimes hosted activities in the common space where my neighbors and I gathered to do crafts or watch movies together. The time I spent getting to know my CA and neighbors enriched my first year at Augie and helped turn my initial anxiety about studying abroad into a sense of belonging in a new community.

Discovering myself

Entering my sophomore year, I had more options for living in a residence hall that best suited my personal preferences. I was able to choose between living in a four-person apartment, living alone or sharing a dorm room with roommates. After navigating the challenges of dorm life, I approached this year with newfound confidence and excitement.

Choosing to live in a sophomore dorm was a transformative experience, distinct from my freshman year dorm experience. One of the biggest differences was the ability to choose my own roommate. Being able to live with someone I already knew since freshman year made my living environment feel even more comfortable and familiar.

Reflecting on this time, I realize that living in a sophomore dorm inspired me to get more involved in campus life. With encouragement from supportive friends, I began joining clubs and attending events to expand my social circle. Friends on my floor walked with me to meetings, introduced me to campus activities from different cultures and shared tips they learned from their unique experiences.

 Growing independence

I lived in a Transitional Living Area (TLA), or college-owned apartment my junior year. Living in a TLA marked a significant turning point in my journey toward independence, leading to my senior year off-campus.

I learned how to manage my own living space, which included budgeting for groceries and keeping our apartment organized. The challenge of sharing responsibilities with housemates also introduced me to the realities of conflict resolution. Handling occasional disagreements taught me the importance of communication and compromise — skills that serve me well in all areas of life. Now, as a senior, I realize how these experiences laid a solid foundation for my independence, shaping me into a more self-sufficient individual ready to take on post-college life.

Looking ahead, my journey through these living experiences has not only shaped my identity, but also equipped me with the skills and confidence to face future challenges. I hope every Augie student embraces this living transition confidently and gains valuable skills from transitional living that will set them up for success in life.