Dorm Living
Adjusting to college life requires handling a lot of new things at once. You have to balance classes, social activities, friends and finances. If you are living on campus, chances are that you’ll also need to adjust to living in a dorm and sharing your space with a roommate. Living in tight quarters with little privacy can be challenging, especially if this is the first time you or your roommate(s) have shared a room.
Most colleges provide contact information for your roommate(s) before you get to school. If so, reach out to them to say hello and make some initial decisions about what you’ll each bring and what items will or will not be shared. It’s also a good way to start communicating, setting expectations and establishing boundaries.
Many colleges attempt to match students with roommates who have compatible interests and views but this matching process is not an exact science. You might end up moving in with your new best friend, someone who you get along with but don’t spend time with outside of your room, or someone very different than you who is difficult to share your space with. Managing different personalities, handling conflict, having fun with new friends and learning to live with other people are all things to expect about living in the dorm.
RA’s or Resident Advisors are a great resource for concerns you have about living in the dorm. If you have issues with your roommate, are having trouble connecting with other students on your floor or having any other questions or concerns about adjusting to campus, RA’s are a great and accessible option for seeking help.