Getting to Know All about You
Meeting your roommate(s) is at once the most stressful and exciting event of your first few days in college. First impressions mean everything and they mean nothing; at your first meeting, you may believe you have found your soulmate or that you have made a mortal enemy. But chances are, the relationship will be a little more complicated and your feelings will be a little more ambivalent.
Remember that little questionaire in your admissions packet? You know the one that you thought asked really personal questions? If you blew it off or treated it like a joke, the joke will probably be on you. College do their level best to match students up with like-minded students. Be as truthful and hone st as possible. You may not become best friends, but you don't want to end up with a roommate who sits in the dark watching Laverne & Shirley reruns all night long.
Be Respectful
Respecting each other, and each other's little quirks, will go a long way in building a working relationship with your roommate. If he or she is studying for a big exam, give them a break with the music, etc. If there is a problem, confront it quickly. Letting something fester for too long can cause irreparable damage. Keep the lines of communication open. People often have high expectations when it comes to roommate(s); they are expecting an instant best friend, a constant companion, or someone to eat with in the dining hall. And that actually may be kind of what it's like for the first few weeks.
Soon, though, each of you will start to meet other people through classes, become involved with activities, and see each other progressively less. Most students get along great with their roommates; in fact, many form life-long friendships. The important thing to remember is that, as with any, your relationship with your roommate will develop and change as you get to know each other.
