Move-In Monday: The Roommate Connection

Soon after Summer Orientation, the Office of Residence Life will send you details about your housing and roommate assignment. Like many, you may not know your roommate yet, and you might understandably be a little nervous about living with a stranger. To help prepare you for the "getting-to-know-you" process, our Move-In Monday series continues with advice and practical ways for you to reach out and get to know each other.

ADVICE TO FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS:

Always remember that communication is key. While you and your roommate/suitemates don't have to be best buddies, it’s important to communicate and take an interest in each other's lives. Participate together in games, activities, and campus events, and plan periodic meals together. These are just small steps toward building an understanding of one another. And who knows, you may end up close friends!

Starting tips to establish contact and get to know each other:

• Contact your roommate/suitemates via email or social media. If using social media, keep in mind that people are more than what you see in posts - stay open-minded.
• Start with basic information about yourself and ask questions such as: Where are you from? What do you like to do? What's your favorite color? If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
• Once you have some common ground, share what you plan to pack and bring to the room. One roommate could bring the sound system, and the other could bring the TV.
• After you feel more comfortable, work on setting some ground rules or parameters for the room. Topics could include agreement on visitors to the room, cleaning routines, sleep and class schedules, or sharing responsibility for keeping the room stocked with snacks and other essentials.

Have any questions? Be sure to contact the Office of Residence Life team.