Getting the Most From Your Residence Hall Experience

Throughout different times in your life you have had to become acquainted with a new environment--moving from middle school to high school, changing neighborhoods, going to a new camp, etc.  Each time you were in a new place you may have felt nervous and anxious or eager and excited or maybe even some of both.  Going to college and living in a residence hall will probably bring about those same feelings.  That's ok because there are many people in your same situation.

Becoming comfortable with your residence hall experience takes a little effort:

• Begin with a positive mindset - Things will not always be easy.  Sharing your room may be a big change.  However, your state of mind may be what stands between you and success at college.  Be optimistic about your circumstances and look at residence hall living as an adventure.
• Be outgoing and take initiative - Now is not the time to be shy.  Introduce yourself to people, initiate conversation, ask people to go to dinner with you, etc.  Chances are they are just as nervous as you are.
• Be respectful of others - Not only do you have to think about your roommate, you also have to be considerate of those within your neighborhood, residence hall, and the campus.  Policies have been established to help make sure sure everyone is comfortable and safe.
• Confront others appropriately - Someone may do something that bothers you, like playing loud music or telling an off-color joke.  You'll feel better about yourself if you confront the situation.  Privately speak with him or her using a calm tone and assertive language.
• Be a team player - You are part of a community now.  Don't undermine your fellow community members by gossiping or being disrespectful.  Support others when they are facing difficult times and you'll be supported in return.
• Get involved - You cannot stay in your room forever.  Be sure to attend floor meetings and programs.  Go to that campus lecture or cultural event, even by yourself.  Keep your room door open while you're in your room during the day.  Participate in those late night  lounge chats.  Don't be a wall-flower and miss all the fun.

Getting Along with Your Roommate

For most students living with another person is a new experience.  Very few students today have had to share their room with a sibling.  Now you are either being asked to share a room with a complete stranger or you have committed to be roomies with someone you already know.  Whatever the case, roommate relations is an art and something that has to be worked at.

When it comes to getting along with your roommate use the three C's:

• Communication - Would it suprise you that about 99% of roommate conflicts stem from not communicating clearly with the other person? Get off on the right foot by communicating your expectations clearly.  This is no time to be shy or overly polite.  State your needs, concerns, wants, etc. firmly. Keep the communication up throughout the year.
• Consideration - You are now sharing space with another person.  What you do has a great impact on them and vise versa.  Before engaging in any activity such as listening to music, having friends over, etc. be sure to consult with them.  Treat your roommate as you want to be treated. 
• Compromise - Sometimes you and your roommate will not agree.  You may have different interests, different backgrounds, or different schedules.  Whatever the difference, you need to find a way to peacefully co-exist.  Sit down and discuss where you disagree.  How can you resolve those situations?  Is there a way that both parties can be happy? 

Overall, you have to set realistic expectations of what your roommate relationship will be.  You may become great friends or you may find your friends elsewhere.  You may have a wonderful time rooming with your old friend or it may turn out to be a lot different than you imagined.  If you are open and honest with your roommate from the beginning your relationship will be much more successful and the extra work with pay off.