Suburb Students Need Access To City Campuses

Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is a nationally acclaimed, affordable university in Alabama's capital city, Montgomery. With a vibrant campus life, AUM offers students the opportunity to live close to friends, classes, and activities. The university provides a range of housing options, from single rooms in apartment-style high-rises to efficiency apartments just steps away from classrooms. AUM's supportive living-learning community connects students with similar academic interests and encourages their involvement in campus life.

With over 300 student events per semester, AUM ensures that students have access to a well-rounded university experience. From cultural and social events to sporting activities and student organizations, there is something for everyone. The university also offers a Laptop Loaner Program to assist students who may have difficulty accessing a computer outside of the campus environment.

For students living in the suburbs, accessing the AUM campus and all it has to offer can be a great way to enhance their university experience and build a network of lifelong friends.

Benefits of living on campus

Living on campus has many benefits for students. Here are some key advantages:

Enhanced Academic Performance

Research shows that students who live on campus tend to achieve better academic outcomes. This is likely due to their proximity to classes, faculty, and facilities such as libraries and academic resources. On-campus residents also have more opportunities to collaborate with peers on group projects and study sessions, and they are more likely to participate in academic events and activities. All of these factors contribute to higher grades and better overall academic performance.

Improved Safety and Security

Most universities have 24/7 security personnel patrolling the campus to ensure the safety of students. Living on campus means that you are in close proximity to these security teams, which can provide peace of mind and a sense of security. Additionally, many universities require ID cards or key fobs to access dormitories, adding an extra layer of protection.

Convenience and Time Savings

On-campus housing offers convenient access to campus amenities and resources. Students can quickly reach the library, fitness centre, dining halls, academic buildings, and recreational areas without worrying about commuting or parking. This saves time and money on transportation costs, and eliminates the stress of traffic delays and bad weather.

Building a Sense of Community

Living on campus provides students with a strong sense of community and belonging. They live and learn alongside their peers, forming lasting friendships and support networks. This sense of community can help students navigate the challenges of college life, such as homesickness, stress, or loneliness. It also encourages students to get involved in extracurricular activities, clubs, and events, further enhancing their social connections and engagement with the university community.

Development of Independence

Living away from home provides students with the opportunity to develop independence and adulting skills. They learn to manage their schedules, academics, finances, relationships, and physical and mental well-being. This transition to independent living can be smoother when surrounded by others going through similar experiences.

Student accommodation options

There are two main student accommodation options: on-campus and off-campus. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences and circumstances.

On-Campus Accommodation

On-campus accommodation is provided by the university and includes dormitories, apartments, or suites typically located close to campus. Living on-campus offers convenience, as students can easily access buildings, resources, and activities. It also provides social opportunities, as students living in proximity can spontaneously gather, engage in group activities, and form strong friendships. Additionally, on-campus residents are more likely to participate in campus life, clubs, sports teams, and student government.

On-campus housing often includes security features like doors, security cameras, and on-site staff, providing peace of mind for students and parents. Many on-campus options also offer support services like advising, counselling, and career guidance. However, on-campus housing may be more expensive, have limited space, offer less privacy, and come with rules and regulations that may restrict guests and independence. It may also be further from local amenities like grocery stores and entertainment venues.

Off-Campus Accommodation

Off-campus student housing refers to options outside the campus area, such as apartments, houses, shared rooms, or other rental properties. This option offers students flexibility and privacy, allowing them to establish their own rules and have more control over their living environment. It can also be more cost-effective, especially when splitting expenses with roommates or living further from campus. Off-campus residents have easier access to local amenities like grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment.

However, living off-campus may result in longer commutes to campus, requiring additional time and transportation costs. Students living off-campus may feel less involved in campus activities and events due to their distance from resources and opportunities. Some may also experience isolation, especially if they live alone or far from campus. Additionally, off-campus accommodation may not provide the same level of support services as on-campus housing.

Factors to Consider

When deciding between on-campus and off-campus accommodation, consider factors such as location, cost, roommates, facilities, safety, policies, privacy, travel distance, food options, and lease terms. Evaluate your budget, lifestyle, and priorities to make an informed decision. Additionally, keep in mind that on-campus housing is often in high demand and may have limited availability, especially at the start of the semester.

Student life and activities

Student life at Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) is vibrant and engaging, offering a range of activities and opportunities for personal growth and development. The university encourages students to participate in campus life and take advantage of the many offerings provided. With over 300 student events per semester, there is something for everyone at AUM.

Housing and Residence Life

AUM's Housing and Residence Life offers students the chance to live close to friends, classes, and activities, creating a fun and active community. The residence halls are new or recently renovated, providing a home-like environment with various amenities. Students can choose from private rooms, rooms for up to four people, and even family-friendly options, all at reasonable prices. The apartments are equipped with kitchens, free laundry areas, study lounges, cable TV, and high-quality internet services. Residence life programs make it easy for students to get involved, meet others, and build lifelong friendships.

Dining Options

AUM offers convenient student meal plans, with meals loaded onto the Warhawk Card, which can be used like a debit card at various dining locations on campus, including The Café, Books & Beans, the Bookstore Deli, and the Warhawk Fitness Shop. The Café also accepts Master Card and Visa.

Student Affairs

The Student Affairs Office provides a range of opportunities for students to grow, lead, socialise, and meet new people. This includes curriculum-related clubs, fraternities and sororities, and religious and spiritual groups. The Campus Recreation program features Intramural Sports, Club Sports, and the Wellness Centre, which offers aquatics, group fitness, personal training, free play, and a rock wall. AUM also sponsors 11 NCAA Division II varsity sports, and school spirit is a big part of campus life, with cheering, a spirit band, and dance teams.

Diversity and Inclusion

AUM features one of the most diverse campuses in the southeast, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students. The university is committed to providing individual attention and resources to help every student thrive and succeed in their academic and personal goals.

Student safety and security

Campus safety and security refer to the measures taken by a college or university to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors. These measures are critical in fostering a conducive learning environment, where students can feel comfortable and focus on their academics.

Crime Awareness and Campus Security

The Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990 was established to ensure that students, parents, and employees are well-informed about campus security. This Act has been instrumental in reducing on-campus crimes. Between 2009 and 2019, there was a 20% decrease in reported on-campus crimes at postsecondary institutions.

The Clery Act

The Clery Act is a federal law that mandates colleges and universities receiving federal financial aid to publicize their safety policies, procedures, and annual crime statistics. This Act holds institutions accountable for reporting crimes and issuing timely warnings about potential threats to the campus community, even if they occur off-campus.

Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)

VAWA is another federal law that addresses gender-based violence on college campuses. It requires universities to implement policies and procedures to address sexual violence, domestic violence, and stalking. This includes training on response protocols, as well as plans for reporting, investigation, and adjudication of such cases.

Security Measures

To enhance campus safety, security measures such as access control, video surveillance, door locks, key cards, and lockdown systems are employed. Additionally, security training programs and an active campus police force play a vital role in deterring criminal activity and ensuring the protection of the campus community.

Emergency Response Plans

It is crucial for universities to establish comprehensive emergency response plans to address various scenarios, including active shooter incidents, natural disasters, and extreme weather conditions. These plans outline procedures and protocols to be followed during emergencies, ensuring a coordinated and effective response.

Mental Health Considerations

In addition to physical safety, mental health support is an essential aspect of campus security. The COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, led to isolation and mental health struggles for students confined to their dorm rooms. Access control systems can facilitate wellness checks, allowing students to maintain their health while attending in-person classes.

Communication and Reporting

Encouraging students, faculty, and staff to report suspicious activity or behavior is vital. This proactive approach empowers the campus community to be vigilant and play an active role in maintaining security.

Security Challenges

Security teams face challenges in keeping campus security plans up-to-date, especially with the emergence of new threats. Additionally, geographically distributed campuses require coordinated efforts and advanced technologies to ensure the safety of a widespread student and staff population.

By implementing comprehensive security plans, utilizing modern technologies, fostering open communication, and staying vigilant, universities can significantly enhance the safety and security of their campus communities. These measures are essential in creating a peaceful learning environment where students can thrive academically and socially.

Student health services

The center provides same-day appointments during the week and 24/7 support, including medical and mental health services. This includes individual and group counselling, wellness workshops, and a range of medical specialities such as optometry, gynecology, dermatology, and more. The center also has an on-site pharmacy for convenience.

Additionally, the AUM Student Affairs Office offers a Laptop Loaner Program to assist students who may have difficulty accessing a computer outside of the campus environment. This program ensures that all students can stay connected and engaged with their coursework, regardless of their financial situation.

The university also emphasizes the importance of student participation and encourages students to share their perspectives and ideas. With a vibrant campus life, AUM creates a supportive environment that goes beyond academics, fostering a community that values health and well-being.

The Student Health Services at Stony Brook University is another example of a comprehensive on-campus health resource. Their dedicated staff includes physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, health educators, and more. They are committed to providing quality, cost-effective medical care and optimizing preventative health and wellness for students.

Both examples highlight the importance of student health services, which aim to support students' academic success by addressing their physical and mental health needs. These services ensure that students have access to the resources they need to thrive during their time at university.

Frequently asked questions