ERICA Residence Hall (Dormitory),
Home to 2,743 Students

Of the students - By the students - For the students

The Residence Halls are important spaces that can impact students’ scholastic achievements and quality of life. Depending on one’s lifestyle, a person may spend more time in their dorm room at the Residence Hall than in the classroom. As improving the quality of students’ life is the top priority of the Residence Hall, employees there are ready to carefully listen to the opinions and voices of individual students.

The Student Council of the Residence Hall, which was formed with students selected through voting every year, acts as a bridge to facilitate smooth communication between the administrative team and the dorm students. In response to their needs and voices, the Residence Hall has expanded its spaces and is being regularly maintained.

The most significant change was made through a survey of students at Residence Hall in 2018. According to the results of the survey at the time, opinions on the need for multi-recreation space and relaxation facilities were requested the most at 36% and 32%, respectively. There was also a high demand for learning facilities. Following the survey results, the Residence Hall launched a project to create a student welfare space over a long period of time, from 2019 to 2021, and then to 2023, and there has been gradually renovation of the building. In 2019, the first floor of Hall 2 was renovated to meet the needs of students with a new activity space and cafeteria being created. Space for lounging convenience was also secured. Moreover, ERICA is probably the only university campus in Korea that has a dormitory with a coin-operated noraebang or singing room facility.

This shows the careful thought and design that took into account where students usually spend their time and what entertainment facilities they might like. The basement of Hall 2 was also renovated with a focus on creating a complex cultural zone and general lounge area. In 2021, the counseling room and terrace space were changed into a small forest in the dormitory. The Residence Hall, which carefully took into consideration, spaces that focus on students’ accessibility and usability, is now a place for and of the student residents.

Little ERICA inside ERICA

The Residence Hall has been striving to improve its overall environment by collecting opinions through the Student Council of the Residence Hall every semester and analyzing feedback through surveys. After looking around the Residence Hall, which meticulously manages every corner and operates a system for safety and security, it seems to this reporter that the atmosphere has the feel of a small self-contained community. Even simple amenities are included and various events are now regularly being offered as a result of ideas collected from students’ ideas and opinions. For instance, there are get-togethers such as “Getting to know your roommate”, a monthly movie screening, an early summer tea ceremony, and a midterm snack time.

There is also the Residence Hall Summer Festival which has established itself as a popular event that makes summer days in the dormitory special. As many international students reside in the dormitory, the program was designed to provide various experiences about Korean culture and above all, to allow as many students as possible to participate. Mr. JeongHoon Ahn, deputy general manager of the Administrative Team said that his office proudly supports the festival and that he is pleased to see the students enjoying themselves.

“During festival last year, the Residence Hall provided a place where all participating students could enjoy themselves and meet others. They seemed to have had a very good time. It was especially nice for me to see our international students who came to Korea through KOICA having fun and socializing with each other throughout the event. I hope such opportunities provide good memories for everyone involved.”

The Residence Hall is scheduled to host its third festival this year, which always includes a talent show. How many talented students will show off their skills at this festival has yet to be seen. But if news about this fun culture of the Residence Hall spreads, the competition for applicants to the dormitory next semester will undoubtedly grow fiercer.

“Spectrum”, a summer festival for creative talent held in 2023

Reliable helpers at the Residence Hall, employees

Residence Hall, a Student’s Haven

There have been many changes at the Residence Hall. In particular, the number of people wanting to enter the dormitory has relatively decreased due to the declining school-age population, and the rate of female students entering the dorm has increased compared with the past when the rate of male students was much higher for a long time. One of the biggest changes is that the larger number of students entering the Residence Hall has come from a more diverse range of countries. In the past, the number of English-speaking and Chinese students was high but these days, there are more students from other Asian countries in addition to more European students. As international exchanges have become more active at the university level and global interest in Korean culture has been increasing, the number of students coming to Korea to learn the Korean language has also been growing. Being aware of this changing demographic, the Resident Hall seeks ways to bring all students together.

“As the Residence Hall is a space where many students live together, we have to carefully manage every corner of the building. We are especially focusing on fire prevention and prevention of accidents while we are also conducting joint fire evacuation drills with the Hanyang Health Center and Ansan Fire Department.”

JoonWon Park is the director of Residence Hall and added that although the building has gone through several renovations, enhancing the safety and promoting the security of students has been always their top priority. As it is important to pay attention to students needs to ensure that all can study and live safely and comfortable without any major accidents or incidents, the employees of Residence Hall are always on their guard. For instance, during vacation when students are away, it is the busiest time for the employees because they have to check the overall environment as well as blind spots in and around the various facilities by thoroughly repairing and replacing parts and fittings where needed. All the employees of the Residence Hall are working hard to ensure that everyone has a satisfying and comfortable time during the semester.