The Daily Tar Heel
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The Daily Tar Heel

As a resident of the tenth floor of Hinton James Residence Hall, it's fair to say the ten flights of stairs to my suite are a daunting physical challenge. While some days I strive to get my “HoJo calves” from the stairs, most days I'm not up to the challenge. As a result, I often find myself in one of the building’s three elevators. Since moving in, I've spent quite a lot of time in the elevators around campus as well. Having done so, I've seen a certain lack of elevator etiquette. 

I think it's time for a quick lesson.  

Do: Keep the elevator open if someone is trying to get in. 

I know we all have places to be, and sometimes we need some alone time. Still, something as simple as keeping the door open is always a kind thing to do. The person rushing in will definitely appreciate it.   

Don’t: Let too many people on the elevator. It will break down. 

As a HoJo resident, I know how valuable the elevators are. Yes, elevators actually break down, and it's quite unfortunate when they do. We've already seen them break down thrice! Elevators can only hold so many. Follow directions or your own intuition. It’ll save everyone a lot of time and stairs. 

Do: Let people off the elevator if they are behind you. 

When people are trying to get off on their floor, please let them exit the elevator. Don’t stand in their way. No one wants to awkwardly shove a stranger on their way to class. Be mindful of everyone around, and let them exit smoothly. 

Don’t: Press the "up" button as soon as the elevator door closes. 

When an elevator is full and the door finally closes, do not immediately press the "up" button. All the people in the overstuffed elevator will not be pleased to have the door open again. Wait for the elevator to go up or down a floor before hitting the button.  

Do: Use the stairs! 

If you only need to go up or down a flight of stairs, the elevator should not be used. Obviously, some cannot use the stairs, and that's completely understandable. However, for those who can, people on higher floors don't need the extra wait. It can take a while getting to the tenth floor of HoJo when I stop on floors two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine and finally ten. Be considerate of those on higher floors. Take the stairs. 

Don’t: Be disrespectful to others or the space 

Remember that the elevators are a shared space. Treat them like you would any other part of campus. Be kind and respectful in the elevators. Don’t eat, roughhouse, jump, throw trash or scream (I have seen all of these happen in the last month). We all want an efficient and enjoyable elevator experience. In order to do that, we all need to put in a little respect.  

Follow these do’s and don’ts and we will all soon have the best elevator etiquette! 

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