Here at Colorado Mesa University (CMU), there is no shortage of things to do. For incoming freshmen and older students alike, there are so many fun events that are easy to get involved in.

Many of these are organized and led by CMU’s Resident Assistants (RAs), who put their creativity, their time and sometimes money into events like night hikes, movie nights, arts and crafts activities and more. However, many RAs have noticed a disappointing trend. Residence Life events are very low in attendance. 

I am an out of state freshman here at CMU, and the Residence Life events have been very helpful for me. Being so far away from home is hard, but constantly being given the opportunity to do fun things helps me relax, make friends and have fun.

I live in Monument hall, and so far, I’ve been to a game night, had a fun night painting some of my old jeans and went on an amazing night hike. All of these events were put together by my RAs, and I feel really bad that so many of the fun events that they’ve coordinated have had such low attendance.

Eowyn Larson, one of the 2nd floor RAs in Monument Hall, said that more people should come to the events because of how much effort is put into them. 

“As an RA I feel as though residents should come to our programs because we do put them on for the residents. Also, it is a good way to be involved within the dorm and thus be more successful in their college experience. I love meeting my residents and getting to know them through my programs and I can see the connections being created to other residents as well,” Larson said. 

I think it’s important for students to attend the events that are coordinated by their RAs. Not only have these events been really inventive and super fun, but it’s a great way to make friends and feel more at home on campus.

I hear so many people complaining that they don’t have anything to do and that they don’t have any friends, and it doesn’t make sense to me because of all the opportunities there are to have fun and get involved on campus.

If students don’t go to events, RAs will no longer have the motivation to put together those events, which would be really unfair to those of us who actually enjoy going to them. 

It’s okay if you don’t feel drawn to every single event: I don’t either! But one thing I’ve noticed is that Res Life events have something for everyone. Whether you like sports, hiking, movies, crafts, or anything in between, there are opportunities to have fun doing things you love with the people you live with.

We’re in college and being sociable with the people we live with is so important, because it really enhances the college experience. I barely know anyone in my hall, which is kind of upsetting to me because I’d love to have the opportunity to get to know everyone better. 

Larsen followed her previous statement with, “As an RA I feel as though residents should come to our programs because we do put them on for the residents. Also, it is a good way to be involved within the dorm and thus be more successful in their college experience. I love meeting my residents and getting to know them through my programs and I can see the connections being created to other residents as well.”

Do yourself, and everyone else you live with, a favor by showing up to an event or two and making an effort to get involved. Who knows? You could have a lot of fun, or even make a friend or two! Whatever happens, it’s worth a shot.