Dormitory, “School of Life” for New Students at IPB University
For thousands of new students at IPB University, the dormitory is not just a place to live. It is here that they undergo a “school of life” that shapes their discipline, leadership, and character to face future challenges.
The character development and discipline system at IPB University’s student dormitory begins on the first day of classes through the Integrated Dormitory Services (LITERA), which is integrated with the re-registration process for new students.
“This system guides students to understand the importance of administrative order, including registration and payment, which are now done digitally through a special billkey,” explained Chairperson of the IPB Student Dormitory Management Unit (UPAMI) Dr Suratni.
Discipline training continues through the implementation of housing rules, mandatory activity schedules, and technology-based surveillance such as CCTV. This technology not only maintains security but also ensures compliance with rules and regulations.
“Living together in a limited space encourages students to manage their time, maintain cleanliness, and be responsible for their personal and shared spaces,” she explained.
Not only that, UPAMI, together with the Directorate of General Competency Education (DPKU), held a mandatory Multicultural Academic Development program. This program is designed to foster social and academic responsibility, including setting learning goals, time management, and adherence to campus values.
“These activities are accompanied by Senior Residence (SR) as facilitators and dormitory advisors as character builders,” added Dr Suratni.
Dormitory life is enriched with the Healthy Saturday program, a collaboration with Agrianita IPB University. This program includes free health check-ups, nutrition education, a pre-loved goods bazaar, a Green Campus campaign, waste management, and counseling services.
“Students are not only participants, but also motivators, field coordinators, and volunteers, so they are trained to lead participatively,” said Dr Suratni.
With residents from various provinces and socio-cultural backgrounds, the dormitory becomes a natural social learning space. The internal leadership structure, starting from the neighborhood association (RT), village head (Lurah), to the head of the male and female dormitories, provides opportunities for students to hone their leadership skills.
Students are trained to manage groups, mediate conflicts, and convey aspirations constructively. “Students gain direct experience in leading and interacting amid diversity,” she added.
10 Characteristics of “Taqwa Mandiri” Dormitory Residents
Dr Suratni emphasized that all guidance is in line with the 10 characteristics of “Taqwa Mandiri” dormitory residents. These are: 1) Piety toward God; 2) Noble character, honesty, and politeness; 3) Quality mindset; 4) Broad perspective; 5) Trustworthiness and responsibility; 6) Independence and ability to collaborate; 7) Active and caring toward others; 8) Nationalism and discipline; 9) Peaceful and tolerant; and 10) Integrity and orderliness.
“With a structured development system and a supportive environment, the IPB University dormitory is not merely a place to live but a center for shaping students who are disciplined, independent, collaborative, and highly socially aware. They are ready to lead in a multicultural society,” she concluded. (AS) (IAAS/STD)
