By inviting students to decorate vases and pick out dorm plants, Wednesday afternoon’s “Home Under the Dome” event aimed to help students transform their living spaces into a home away from home. The event was part of the McDonald Center for Student Well-being’s ongoing Wednesday sessions, created to make student spaces more comfortable, personal and welcoming. By providing resources and activities that will encourage students to invest in their living environments, the center hopes to enhance the overall well-being of the Notre Dame student body.
Joey Quinones, rector of the Fisher community in Zahm Hall, explained the intention behind the event.
“Studies show that living in a place where one has invested time in, whether through decorating, adding living things like plants or displaying pictures of loved ones, helps make the space feel more personal and homey,” he said.
The event featured various stations, each designed to engage students in activities that promote a sense of belonging and comfort. These stations included picking your own living plant, making your own vase, a coloring and decorating station and a personal wellness station with items like chapsticks, earplugs and hand warmers. Hot chocolate was served throughout the event.
“Leaving Notre Dame for home during winter break, all my plants died. Since I love plants, I needed a replacement, which is why I am here,” said Eno Ennin, a junior majoring in aerospace engineering. “I like having plants in my space because it’s nice to have something to come back to after a long day of classes and take care of. They also help make the air clean too.”
Emma Borgie, a junior studying mechanical engineering, shared that she came with Ennin to “check out the event and possibly get some greenery for my room.” Laughing while decorating their vases, both Ennin and Borgie explained that their time at the event was worthwhile, as it allowed them to spend time together and provided new plants.
Sara Ghyselinck, rector of Johnson Family Hall, emphasized the importance of greenery in living spaces. “Having green in your space is one of the greatest things you can do for your mental health, making your room a safe and homey space,” she said.
Ghyselinck also encouraged students to explore McWell Center’s other available resources, such as their happy lights for gloomy winter days and the massage chair room. She explained that these resources are designed to support students’ mental and emotional well-being by providing a variety of tools to help them cope with the stresses of academic life.
