By Raychael Moseley / Staff Writer

Cramped quarters, rowdy hallmates, and the never-ending hunt for an open washing machine are just a few of the realities facing the MVC students who live on campus. Dorm living can foster tight-knit communities and lifelong friendships and is often a first taste of independence. It also comes with many challenges and experiences that can make or break a student’s first years away from home.

Michael Wissman, an MVC student and resident of Roberts Hall, has discovered some of the frustrations many face with dorm life.

“Being crammed into a small room isn’t fun,” he said. “There isn’t a lot of space to move around.”

He also experienced some of the positives of living close to others who are going through the same things.

“You get to meet and connect with new people, so that’s fun,” Wissman said.

Vice President of Operations Tim Shulte spoke about ongoing changes the college is making to improve the student residence experience.

“We changed our laundry services about two years ago, which has helped a lot,” Schulte said. 

MVC had issues with the previous company and switched over to Charlie’s Appliance and replaced all the washers and dryers in the dorms. 

Schulte said students may not realize work being done by staff often takes place behind the scenes.

“Some things a lot of people don’t see is we are in the process of replacing a few roofs on campus this summer, especially in the large complexes,” he said. “We are going to upgrade the electrical service in Moreland and Young Hall so they can accommodate portable air conditioners.”

They are even ordering some new furniture to go into the freshman dorms. 

Jada Fepuleai, an MVC student who lives in the Valley View Apartments, said there are still other places where the dorms could see some improvement.

“There is a lack of security; with all the thefts it scares me sometimes,” she said. “There are also some maintenance issues we don’t have a lot of control over shorts with appliances.” 

Schulte said the college is aware of the latter issue and is taking steps to address it in the short term.

“The goal is to train the RAs to turn the breakers back on,” he said.