College is the start of a whole new chapter in your life. Everything is changing. But change is hard. Change is scary. Change is a decent serving of self-doubt, a dollop of excitement and a pinch of second-guessing everything you’ve ever done in your life up to this point, all wrapped in a stale tortilla you just can’t seem to choke down. Or…is that just me?
With all the change that’s about to happen, living and sleeping within ten feet of a complete stranger might be pretty jarring. Here are 5 things you might be feeling after getting your roommate assignment:
1. Crippling Fear
You may be worried that you aren’t going to like your roommate or they aren’t going to like you. This is completely normal. The Office of Residence Life strives to assign each individual a roommate based on lifestyle compatibility. Being honest in your Contract for University Housing is important!
2. Suspicion
You’ve done your digging on social media and hunted down all the information the Internet has to offer on your new roommate. You practically have a PhD in archeology already. But something still doesn’t feel right, and you’re just not sure if you are going to mesh well with this person. Here’s the thing, the Internet, in all its bountiful glory, doesn’t always present the most accurate information.
Keep in mind that you will learn so much more about this person when you have open and honest communication with them directly. Send them a DM, text or call. Don’t leave your judgment up to your endless hours of “research.”
3. Territorial
Before you get out the label maker you’ve been DYING to use and start putting your name on every single item you own, consider talking to your roommate about what you are both bringing to the residence hall and what can be communal property. You might find out they have something you really want to use. Remember, sharing is caring.
4. Optimism
You’ve gotten to know your roommate a bit and are starting to feel like this is all going to work out. Keeping an open mind is essential to feeling at ease with your new roommate, so feel free to bask in this newfound contentment. Let the bonding begin!
5. Pure Excitement
Everything is happening! You and your new roommate are going to have the best time of your lives and be best friends forever!
No matter how you may be feeling at this time, remember there are people at Southeast who are here to help. Ask as many questions as you need to feel ready to move into your new life and make the very best of what’s to come.