Student Voices: What’s it Like to Live on Campus at Montclair?

You’ve toured our residence halls, you’ve seen the glossy photos online and in brochures – maybe you’ve even favorited a TikTok or two showcasing student move-in week and dorm life at Montclair. But what’s it really like to live on campus as a Red Hawk? Here, a few of our students share insights about what to pack, “hacks” to keep in mind and insider tips on how to make the most of your time living on the Montclair campus.

Meet our students

Minyae McKenzie, Senior
Major: Social media and Public Relations with a minor in Business
Residence Hall: Alice Paul Hall at The Village
Campus Involvements: Montclair State University Social Media Ambassador / Student Vlogger, Hawk Squad, Clinique on Campus Ambassador.

Navila Gomez, Senior 
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Entrepreneurship
Residence Hall: Alice Paul Hall at The Village
Campus Involvements: Social Media Ambassador, IT Technician, HerCampus member

Danny DeRonde, Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
Residence Hall: Dinallo Heights
Campus Involvement: Photography/graphics/social media for football, baseball, men’s basketball, men’s soccer and men’s indoor and outdoor track; Secretary of the Photo Club; social media ambassador for the University.

What’s something you wish someone had told you about living in a dorm on campus?

McKenzie: You aren’t going to have as much room as you think. Learning how to condense and only taking the things you absolutely need is the best way to go about dorming.

Gomez: Make the most out of every single moment. Living on campus truly feels like living in your own little world with friends.

Deronde: To be open and outgoing the first week, especially if you’re in Bohn Hall. Since it’s all freshmen everyone’s in the same awkward, scared, out of place feeling so it’s easier to relate and make friends.

List three things you DON’T need to pack for college or three things you use often

McKenzie: You don’t need an iron (get a steamer instead), tons of dishes and cups (you only need 2-3 or even switch over to only paper plates and cups) or notebooks (you need one, max. Most of the time you will be using your iPad or laptop for school). Also, bring a rolling cart for laundry, it helps so much.

Gomez: 1. Don’t bring your whole closet. If you didn’t wear it at home, you’re not going to wear it at school. 2. School supplies. You will probably only need your laptop for your classes. 3. Steamer/iron. What I use a lot: a small vanity mirror, diffuser, and Nespresso Vertuo.

Deronde: What not to pack: extra furniture, air fryer, LED lights. What to pack: laundry bin, extension cords, TV if possible.

What you miss most from home and how do you deal with that?

McKenzie: You don’t get those home-cooked meals or those reminders from mom to do your homework and clean your room. You’re on your own and it’s up to you to implement the skills that were taught to you.

Gomez: Spending time with my sisters. We are all very busy with school and work but we always make time to call each other and have our sister talks.

DeRonde: Home-cooked meals with a group of people, so I go with my friends to the dining halls.

What’s a cool or interesting feature about your residence hall?

McKenzie: At The Village we have our own outdoor pool. It’s cold 90% of the semester but it’s still nice to have at the very beginning or end of the school year.

Gomez: The community pool, open during the spring and summer time.

DeRonde: After living in Bohn my first year, I love having AC and my own bathroom.

Do you have any ‘hacks’ for living on campus?

McKenzie: If you want to make new friends, go to the Student Center either on the first or 3rd floor – this is where all the commuters go to hang out. Just about everyone there wants to be social, I’ve made a lot of friends by hanging out there between classes.

Gomez: I go for night walks when I’m feeling overwhelmed or need to think. I’ve been doing it since freshman year and it has been the best way to disconnect for a little.

DeRonde: Hungry after 11 p.m.? Yella’s or the Red Hawk Diner are the places to be. Great food and it’s so accessible to get.

Looking for a bite to eat on campus? See Montclair State University Dining Locations and Hours

How do you recommend getting to know your roommate better?

McKenzie: I recommend reaching out to them before you move, maybe ask them to go get lunch on campus or go to events together.

Gomez: Do activities together. Whether that is going to the gym, eating together or being there when they need help with anything.

DeRonde: Go out with them to Campus Recreation, the dining halls, or on a walk and just talk.

How do you handle cleaning and chores? Was it a learning curve?

McKenzie: Personally, cleaning was hard for me to keep up with, especially when it comes to my room and laundry. The best thing you can do for yourself is to make a schedule and stick to it no matter what. The second you give one excuse the next thing you know it’s been another week. Life is always going to get in the way but it’s about keeping personal priorities.

Gomez: I was raised in a Hispanic household so I’ve always been a clean freak lol. My roommates and I make sure we always clean up after ourselves but we know how busy our lives can get. If at any moment that we see someone needs help cleaning, we will step in and help.

DeRonde: Cleaning has been good, sometimes my room can get a little messy but it’s usually under control.

What is a misconception you had about living on campus? What did you learn?

McKenzie: I don’t think I had any misconceptions but I quickly learned that it was the best decision I could have made socially.

Gomez: That I would get tired of being on campus — I learned that I was completely wrong. Montclair became my second home and I’ve grown to be the person I am today because of it. When I go back to my apartment after a long day, it genuinely feels like I’m going back home to a loving family (my roommates). I do get homesick sometimes, which is normal, but not tired of being on campus.

DeRonde: Before coming to Montclair I heard it was a suitcase school, meaning everyone leaves on the weekend and there’s nothing to do, but there is always something to do for people still on campus.

What’s the best advice someone gave you about living in a dorm?

McKenzie: Fill out the roommate agreement.

Gomez: Get involved on campus since you will be there almost everyday. There’s so many opportunities on campus and fun ways to get to know yourself. The best way to do that is by being involved.

DeRonde: Go into it with an open mind. If you tell yourself you’re gonna hate it, you’re gonna hate it. You have to let yourself adjust and adapt to your new environment and get used to it.

I’m a ______, tell me more…

Prospective Student / Parent: Learn more about Living on Campus, set up a visit to tour our residence halls in person and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk!
Journalist: Contact the Media Relations team for assets or to schedule an interview related to Student Life on campus.