Noisy neighbors, broken lights and cafeteria food that's less than appetizing.

Living in the dorms presents new challenges for students living on their own for the first time, but there also are some easy ways to overcome them.

When things break, it's up to the student to fix it or find someone who will.

"We will fix everything that comes with the room, like doors, walls and windows," Akers and Hubbard halls Complex Manager Matt McKune said.

McKune also said maintenance usually is free of charge - unless the occupant is the one responsible for the damage. To request a repair, students should put their name and room number on maintenance sheets available at the front desk of the residence hall.

Residence hall mentors, who live on every floor of the residence halls, also can be a helpful resource.

"Mentors can help with all sorts of problems, and if there's a question we don't know, we can find out the answer," said Wilson Hall mentor Kristin Cain. "We can help with picking classes, building relationships with people on your floor. We try to be a sounding board for students."

Cain, a journalism and Spanish junior, said the best way for students to get along with their neighbors is to get to know them early in the year.

"Going to floor meetings in the first few weeks of school is the best way to establish good relationships," she said.

Cain said she thinks it's better for students to resolve problems with neighbors, roommates and suitemates on their own, but added that students shouldn't be afraid to go to their mentors for help.

Food also poses a problem for some students, especially for vegetarians, diabetics and students with other dietary needs. But the university is more than willing to work with these students, Food Service Coodinator Bruce Haskell said.

"Students need to speak to the food service manager in their hall," Haskell said. "This involves working with a dietitian who will go through the menus and identify items that will meet their needs."