As the fall semester nears an end, students at The University of Southern Mississippi say they feel overwhelmed by the combined pressure of exams and the dorm move-out process.
Students must vacate their dorms by Dec. 14 at 10 a.m., although they are not required to remove all their belongings. However, once they leave, they will not have access to their rooms during the break.
For those wishing to stay in their dorms during winter break, the university offers options: $25 per day until Dec. 25 or a one-time fee of $550 to remain for the entire break.
“I have mixed emotions about it because I like the fact that I’m able to go home without having to completely move out,” said Jaden Ladner, a resident of the Pi Beta Phi sorority house. “It can be kind of nerve-racking and stressful knowing that I can’t come back if I forget anything.”
Resident Assistants (RAs) are also under pressure as they juggle their responsibilities before the holidays. In addition to conducting room inspections and ensuring everything is in order, they must stay beyond the Dec. 14 deadline to complete their duties. They are responsible for communicating move-out procedures to residents to ensure a smooth transition.
Hannah Zeigler, an RA at Lucky Day Hall, said that while RAs are required to work during other university breaks, they do get a break during the winter holidays. Half of the RA staff works during fall break, while the other half works during Thanksgiving break. RAs return early, as soon as Jan. 6, to help prepare for the spring semester’s move-in process.
“As an RA, it’s much more enjoyable because you have to work all other breaks,” Zeigler said. “I hate packing more than the next person, but it is better for the RAs to get a break.”
Though stressful, the process allows students to return home without the burden of moving out completely, even if it leaves some feeling rushed and uncertain.
