Purpose
To support student dormitories in becoming more than places where people simply share a building—to become communities where residents can notice, respond to, and support one another’s care needs, strengthening everyday solidarity.
What need does it address?
- Reducing feelings of loneliness among students living in dormitories
- Providing quick support during illness, stressful exam periods, or difficult times
- Sharing everyday care responsibilities
- Helping new students adapt more easily to dorm life and community
- Strengthening relationships of trust and solidarity
How can it be practiced?
1. Create a care group.
You can use an existing dormitory WhatsApp group for care and mutual support purposes, or create a separate group dedicated to this goal.
Clearly communicating the purpose of the group from the beginning helps create shared expectations.
2. Establish a few common principles together.
To create a safe and inclusive environment, the group can agree on a few basic principles.
For example:
- Respectful and non-judgmental communication
- Voluntary participation and support
- Respect for privacy and confidentiality
- No expectation that anyone must provide support
3. Start with small acts of solidarity.
Care often becomes visible through small everyday needs.
For example:
- “I’m sick—could someone pick up a meal from the cafeteria for me?”
- “I’m going to the store. Does anyone need anything?”
- “I’m heading to the laundry room. Would anyone like to come along?”
- “Could someone share their notes with me?”
- “If anyone needs someone to talk to today, we could have tea together this evening.”
4. Welcome new residents into the group.
Inviting new students to join the care group can help them understand its purpose and develop a sense of belonging from their first days in the dormitory.
5. Share care not only during crises but also in everyday life.
The group can be used not only when support is needed, but also for building everyday connections—sharing meals, going for walks, celebrating milestones, or simply keeping one another informed.
Things to consider
- Participation should always be voluntary; no one is obligated to provide support.
- Personal information shared within the group should remain confidential.
- Be mindful that care responsibilities do not continually fall on the same people.
- Setting boundaries should be as acceptable as asking for help.
- The group should not function as a space for monitoring people, but as a trusted community that can be reached when support is needed.
The Ihtimam Perspective
Ihtimam Rituals offer practical ways to strengthen care relationships in everyday life. However, lasting solutions to the invisibilization of care require changes not only in daily practices, but also in organizations, policies, and systems.
For more structural approaches, explore the Care Policy Recommendations Tool:
Shared by
This ritual was shared by one of İhtimam’s Co-Nurturers.
Ihtimam Rituals is a living collection of care practices developed by individuals, communities, and organizations in their everyday lives. You can contribute to this collective archive by sharing a ritual that strengthens care relationships in your own daily life.