Parents and Family

Residential Learning Communities at Kent State University are on-campus housing based communities of students living together in the same on-campus building who share similar academic or special interests. Students, faculty, and staff choose to participate in these groups with the intended purpose of enhancing and enriching in-class instruction with focused out-of-class learning experiences. Kent State’s 13 Residential Learning Communities are separated into four areas: Living-Learning Communities, Residential Colleges, Theme Communities, and First Year Experience housing. Each is a great way to get involved with students with similar interests and classes and makes the university seem a little smaller.

More information about Residential Learning Communities can be found here

Students at Kent State will usually spend an average of only 11-18 hours a week in the classroom. That is why it is important to consider how one will spend most of their time outside of the classroom. Most students are a little skeptical about getting involved right away in college. Involvement does not necessarily mean that you step right into a leadership experience. Involvement means finding something that is important to you and applying yourself to that. Depending on the interest, involvement can be a one-time event or an on-going commitment.

Getting involved will allow your student to truly value their Kent State University experience, gain leadership skills and meet new people.

Organizations are based around everything from academic majors, hobbies, service, beliefs and everything in between.

Here's just a taste of what Kent State offers:

Leadership and Employment
Center for Student Involvement
Student Recreation and Wellness Center
Student Organizations

First, the staff of the Department of Residence Services understands that living situations are not always ideal. Moving into a new environment with new roommates can cause both anxiety and tension - for them as well as you! And that's where our trained staff and plentiful campus resources come in.

We will work with roommates to find the source of the conflict, and we'll suggest solutions and provide feedback to help students reach a mutually beneficial agreement. We'll also make sure your student knows what to do and whom to contact should any future conflicts arise.

But sometimes students call you before they call us. In that case, use these tips to guide your student in the right direction to resolve a roommate problem:

• Once your student explains the conflict, ask if it could be a misunderstanding instead of any intentional dispute.
• Find out if your student signed a roommate agreement and whether he or she has reviewed it lately.
• Ask whether all the roommates involved have had a sit-down, heart-to-heart talk about the issue. Students often think they've communicated their feelings without having actually expressed them.
• Don't be afraid to question whether your student may have played a role in creating the conflict. Let him or her know you're not criticizing - only suggesting a little self-examination.
• Ask if student has contacted Residence Services staff - a Resident Assistant, Assistant Residence Hall Director, or Residence Hall Director - about the problem. If not, please encourage him or her to do so.

To speak with your student's Residence Hall Director, contact us at (330) 672-7000 or 1-800-706-8941, indicate in which hall your student lives and ask for the Hall Director's name and phone number OR click here.

Homesickness is common and a natural reaction to moving away from home. New schedules, friends and living environments are a lot to handle at first for some. The first few weeks are usually filled with opportunities for your student to get to know the people in their building and on campus. It's wise to encourage them to take advantage of these events.

If students have the urge to come home frequently, ask them why. They may still be uncomfortable with their new living situation. You can help by encouraging them to give it time and trying to meet people. Letters, care packages and phone calls are all signs of support and will let your student know you're thinking of them.

Encourage your student to speak with his or her RA if problems persist.

The first trip home after the newly acquired freedoms at school may be difficult for your student. Students grow accustomed to adhering only to their schedules at school, and haven't been living under house rules. Be sure you establish expectations. It's a transition time for everyone.

The university offers numerous methods of support for students. The catch is, they have to come to us. Each hall is staffed with a hall director and resident advisors who are there to help your student adjust to living in the halls.

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.