It feels like there’s never enough time to prepare for the first day of college. Between the hustle and bustle of shopping for your dorm room and picking your first semester of classes, it’s a lot. In fact, taking time out to get to know your college roommate can often slip under the radar.
This other student (or students if you’re in a triple or suite) is probably thinking and worrying about the same things you are, but you’ll never know unless you reach out. So how do you break the ice when this person is a perfect stranger? We’ve outlined some helpful tips for getting to know your future college roommate here.
Know the System
Understanding how your school pairs students together can give you some insight into your new roommate. Will you be living with all honors students? Will you be on a floor with only other chemistry majors? Is your building for freshmen only? Typically you can find the answer to these questions on your school’s residential services webpage, often called the Housing Department or Residential Life.
Many schools will also provide incoming students with a survey about their living habits, such as whether you prefer to stay up late studying or if you’re a morning person. These surveys help the school pair you up with someone compatible, so make sure to take the questions seriously and be as honest as you can when providing your answers.
Use Your Resources
In the age of social media, it’s never been easier to communicate with another person electronically. Check if your school has a Facebook page for incoming students (hint: search for your school name and graduation year, like Princeton Class of 2020 for example). If your roommate is a member, that’s an easy way to make your first contact and initiate a conversation.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! Post a brief message introducing yourself to the group–this will give you all summer to meet other incoming students and forge friendships. Other social media platforms, such as Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat also give you the opportunity to connect with your college roommate in advance of move-in day.
Location, Location, Location
Whether you’re staying in-state or traveling three thousand miles away, your roommate might hail from the next town over or from anywhere across the country. Once you’ve introduced yourself online, try to plan time with your roommate to get together IRL before school starts. Find a midway point between where you both live, if you’re relatively close, and meet there with some friends.
This way, you can get to know each other in a neutral, social setting. If he or she lives too far away to make this possible, plan time to video chat using a service like Skype, Google Hangouts or FaceTime and discuss what you’ll be bringing for your room, which classes you’ll be taking in the fall and other important details.
Make the Most of Orientation
Most colleges host orientation programs for new students over the summer. This is an exciting time and a great opportunity to learn more about your future roommate and other students. At Orientation, you’ll register for fall classes, check out campus activities and possibly even spend the night in a dorm room. Plan to meet up with your roommate and explore the school together. This will give you a taste of what campus life will be like when you move in later this summer. Good luck!
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Anthony Muccio is a former college admissions professional and education researcher currently advising students one-on-one with his private practice. After years working at large state and small private schools, he decided to spend time focusing on helping unique learners reach their full potential.