When
you suddenly find yourself living in close quarters with one or more
possible strangers, it's important to get over the initial
awkwardness—fast! Below you'll find tips for getting to know your
roommate:
Go through your new campus and locate the buildings together so you're not lost on your first day.
Go book shopping with your new roommate.
- Work
out times when you're going to be studying, sleeping, watching TV,
going to classes, etc. That way you'll know ahead of time what your
roommate will be doing and can adjust accordingly.
- Order a pizza in the evening, and ask your roommate if he or she would like to help you eat it.
- Ask your roommate for help/advice in solving simple problems.
- Enter into the situation with a respect for one another's belongings and privacy.
- Ask permission before borrowing a roommate's clothes, belongings, and food (if separate).
- Take accurate phone messages for your roommate's calls.
Prior
to moving in with a new roommate, exchange letters stating interests,
hobbies, favorite foods, and information about family.
- Go to the dining hall together. You'd be surprised how much you can learn about another person over a meal.
