In an article for UAlbany, George McFarland argues that the way freshman Jade Castillo decorated her residence hall room helped facilitate her transition to college life.
Castillo, a psychology major who intends to pursue forensic psychology, moved into the Eastman Tower at State Quad this fall. By replicating the items from her home in the Bronx, she created a space designed to feel familiar and organized.
A familiar environment in State Quad
Castillo utilized a decor theme based on her previous living situation to establish comfort in her new dormitory.
“My room is inspired by my room back home. Pretty much everything I have here is a duplicate of what I have back home, so when I walk in, it already feels familiar. It’s really homey, and I think that made the transition to college a lot easier.”
Castillo said regarding her room’s theme.
The student noted that having a personal space to maintain has contributed to a sense of independence and positivity. She also mentioned that she finds herself cleaning more frequently in her own space than she did while living at home.
Castillo prefers her vanity and blankets for comfort
When asked about her favorite items within the room, Castillo highlighted her vanity and her blankets. She noted that her blankets specifically helped the room feel cozier and improved her sleep after long days of classes.
Regarding her future at the university, Castillo expressed interest in living in Indigenous Quad next year. She cited the layout of Mohawk Tower, where a friend resides, as a primary reason for leaning toward that location.
Castillo, who decided to attend UAlbany after visiting the campus during her sophomore and junior years of high school, also offered advice for other students regarding the move-in process. She recommended arriving on campus before the scheduled move-in time to avoid stress and allow for more time to settle in.
