by James Richardson

Created on: July 03, 2010   Last Updated: February 18, 2012

GEARING UP FOR COLLEGE

In your college acceptance packet, you should have received a roommate compatibility survey.  While there are some differences, most surveys ask questions about bedtime, noise levels, and neatness habits.  Some are more detailed and go into personality tests and such. 

Unless you’re the easygoing, loves-to-meet-new-friends type, it’s a good idea to know and request your freshman roommate beforehand.  Do you have any friends - high school, religious affiliation, summer jobs- - that will be attending the same campus?  If they’re someone you can live with, try to pair up as freshman roommates.  It makes the intimidating freshman experience less lonely. 

However, if you’re like many freshmen, you’ll be winging it, and hopefully that survey will have matched you with a suitable roommate. 

Even if your future roomie is a stranger now, make them less of a stranger ASAP.  Get in touch with your campus housing office.  Let them know you’d like contact information (at least an e-mail) of your future roomie.  Make every effort to get in touch with him or her beforehand.  Social networks, like Facebook, can also be helpful.  Not only will this initial meeting help determine your compatibility, but it will help you both lay down the ground rules. 

Make sure you discuss important things like bedtime, study time, and how neat (or messy!) an environment you prefer.  Now is also a good time to discuss who’s bringing what.  Doubles when it comes to mini-fridges, microwaves, and other dorm staples can crowd confined space.

Use the time to be sociable as well.  What’s your roommate’s major?  What are his/her hobbies?  Where does he/she live?  You may find you’re within commutable distance and can meet face to face before the big first day on campus.  Again, having a friend takes the edge off first-day anxiety.

THE BIG DAY

It’s arrived.  You’re on campus and bombarded with orientation materials, free (usually crappy) pizza, and a bad case of information overload.  Building rapport with your roommate will ensure you have a friend who’s in it with you when it comes to processing the mayhem of frosh week. 

Maintaining an open mind and flexibility will go a long way as you and your roommate sort through personal belongings and come up with a furniture arrangement

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