Roommates: Sharing your home with someone new!
Your student and their roommate are about to embark on one of the most interesting adventures of their lives! On-campus living may be the most unique and rewarding part of your student’s college experience, and getting to know their roommate is where it all begins. It is strongly encouraged that your student contacts their roommate before arriving to campus. Email is great, but having a phone conversation really takes them a step forward in getting to know each other.
Your student may be intimidated about calling a stranger, so you might suggest that they think of a few topics to discuss before making the call. The following are a few suggestions for both fun, and practical, conversation:
What do you do for fun? What is your major? Interests? Music/TV preferences? Did you have a room set up in mind? Decoration ideas? Should we think about bunks or lofts? What should each of us bring? Do you (or I) have a TV? Fridge? Is there anything I should know about your preference for guests in the room? Study habits? Cleaning preferences?
It is also useful for your student to think about how he or she would respond to any of these questions, since it is likely their roommate will be wondering the same things! Also, encourage your student to be honest with their roommate and with themselves. Giving answers just because it is what the other wants to hear will only increase the chance of conflict in the future.
Please be aware that Facebook and MySpace profiles are two places your student will likely refer to in an effort to learn more about his or her roommate. It is important that your student thinks about what image their profile is portraying and to be sure it is what they want to present to their roommate(s) as a first introduction.
On that same note, please keep in mind that first impressions may not always be accurate. While Facebook and MySpace are great fun, they often do not give a completely accurate representation. So be sure to keep your student’s mind (as well as your own) open about his or her roommate, despite the conclusions that can be drawn from a profile. Your student would want their roommate to do that for them, too.
While roommate contact may start on-line, please encourage your student to make every effort to talk via the phone or meet if possible to avoid any concerns that may arise due to misconceptions.
For more information please visit
Residential Life - Roommates Website.
Questions?
Department of Residential Life253-535-7200
rlif@plu.eduBack to New Parents Page
