Written by Melissa Álvarez

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by SMU Housing & Residence

The first time I walked through the residence halls, searching for my room, I felt so small. The place was new, the faces were unfamiliar, and I had no idea what to expect. When I entered the lounge in Vanier Residence, everything started to change. I met two people who are now not only my roommates, but my friends. We attended the Welcome Week events together, including Speed Friending, where we formed two circles, answering questions and getting to know each other in just a minute before rotating to the next person. It was at events like these that I started building connections with people I now greet in the hallways.

However, happiness doesn't come without a cost. I experienced culture shock, which is often described using the U-Curve of Cultural Adjustment. According to Merriam-Webster, culture shock is "a sense of confusion and uncertainty sometimes with feelings of anxiety that may affect people exposed to an alien culture or environment without adequate preparation." At first, everything was exciting and new—a sort of honeymoon phase—but soon after, I hit a low point where I missed my family every day. I gradually adjusted by getting involved in residence life. Meeting other international students who were going through similar experiences allowed us to share stories about our families and cultures, which made the transition easier. As I felt more comfortable, I decided to take on more responsibilities on campus.

Now, as both the Chair of the Residence Wellness Team (RWT) and a Resident Assistant (RA), I can say that these positions are more than just jobs– they’re chances for personal growth and continuous learning. In this article, I’ll describe the various residence student groups that contribute to a safe and fun environment, and the requirements to apply for the Residence Leadership & Engagement Award (RLEA), which recognises and awards students who go above and beyond in residence life.

Residence Wellness Team (RWT)

The Residence Wellness Team is all about promoting health and wellness among students on campus. We organise biweekly workshops on topics like Canadian alcohol guidelines and mental health awareness. These workshops aren’t just about learning—they’re also a chance for students to connect and support one another. We often collaborate with other student groups like the Res Consent Project to host fun and educational monthly events. For instance, last year we hosted Tea and Mindfulness, an opportunity for students to drink a hot beverage, enjoy some desserts, and write about something that made them feel stressed. At the end of the event, they had the option to trim their written reflections as a way to let go of negative feelings and stress.

Support is available on campus for those in need of additional mental health resources. Emergency assistance can be accessed by contacting University Security at 902-420-5000 (for emergencies only) or dialling 911. Depending on your age, the nearest hospital emergency departments are the Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre (QEII) at 1799 Robie Street for students 19 years and older, and the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) at 5941 South Street for students under 19. For professional support, the Nova Scotia Mental Health and Addiction Services offers an intake phone line at 1-855-922-1122.

Residence RainBEAU Committee

The Residence RainBEAU Committee organises social and educational events with a focus on the needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. One of their most recent events was the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) RainBEAU Edition, which brought students together for an exciting and engaging night. Are you interested in getting involved in D&D on campus? Alex Philip’s article on Dungeons & Dragons: It’s Simpler Than You Think has all the details on how to get started, find players, and join the next game! These events are open to everyone, so whether you live in residence or not, you’re welcome to join in on the fun.

The Counselling Centre, located on the 4th floor of the Student Union Building, provides individual personal counselling, educational sessions, and positive mental health-focused events. Additionally, the 2SLGBTQIA+ Student Ambassador is available to provide support and can be reached at 2SLGBTQ.Wellness@smu.ca.

Res Consent Project

The Res Consent Project teaches students about consent and creating a safe campus environment. They host workshops and fun activities to help students understand healthy relationships and what consent looks like in different situations. One of the most popular events was a Jeopardy-style trivia night focused on consent, with awesome prizes sponsored by Venus Envy for the winners.

For students seeking additional support, the Halifax Sexual Health Centre is an excellent off-campus resource. This safe-space clinic provides services such as STI testing and treatment, transgender hormone replacement therapy, contraceptives, and more. The clinic is located at 7071 Bayers Road, Suite 302.

Multicultural Committee

The Multicultural Committee brings our diverse residence community together with events that celebrate diversity among cultures. One of their events was the Historical Hunt, where students tested their knowledge of black historical figures. The committee also hosts games from around the world, offering a fun way to learn about different cultures and traditions.

Res After Dark

Res After Dark gives students a fun way to unwind in the evenings. Whether it’s karaoke nights or board game sessions, these events offer a break from the stress of university life. An event I personally enjoyed was Adulting 101: How to Do Laundry in Residence, which not only provided practical tips but also turned into a social gathering where students could chat and laugh while learning useful skills.

Residence Leadership & Engagement Award (RLEA)

The Residence Leadership & Engagement Award recognises students who actively contribute to residence life. The more events you attend and leadership roles you take on, the more likely you are to be selected as a recipient. Whether it’s through a paid position or joining a student group, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Be sure to have a look at the Basic 6 tracker and the RLEA website for more details.

Get Involved Today!

Residence life has something for everyone, whether you live on campus or not. Take that first step—attend an event or apply for a leadership position and become the next chair, educator or assistant of a committee.

Check out the Residence Life calendar to see upcoming events and opportunities to get engaged. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to reach out via the Res Life email residence.life@smu.ca and don’t forget to follow Res Life on social media: @smureshfx

Reflecting on my own experience, one of my favourite memories is when my first-year roommate from Japan visited my home country, Mexico, during the Christmas holidays. The following summer, I had the chance to visit her home in Japan. Experiencing each other’s cultures firsthand was unforgettable, and it really showed me the beauty of making connections with people from different parts of the world. It’s amazing how residence life can lead to friendships that span the globe and create lifelong memories!

Share your favourite residence life memory with us on our social media platforms. Your experience might just be the spark that inspires others to create their own unforgettable memories!

Home Sweet Residence: Life Through the Eyes of an International Student