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Move-In Monday: Reaching-Out and Getting to Know Your Roommate

Elmira, NY (07/22/2019) — As August rolls around, roommate selections are going out to incoming students. To help with the "getting-to-know-you" process, our Move-In Monday series continues with advice and practical ways to reach out and get to know your roommate

Once you arrive on campus, always remember that communication is key. While you and your roommate don't have to be best buddies, it is important to communicate and try to take an interest in each other's lives. Attend games or campus events together, or try to have meals together on a regular basis. These are just small steps to build an understanding of one another. And who knows, you may even become friends after all. Please be on the lookout for your roommate information and room assignments, they will be sent out Thursday August 1st.

Below we have listed some great starting tips for you to move forward with this process:

  • Contact your roommate via email or social media. If using social media, try your best not to judge them too quickly based on their photos or posts. People are not always what they post themselves to be.
  • Start with basic information on yourself and questions to them such as: Where are you from? What do you like to do? What's your favorite color? If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
  • Once you have some common ground, share what you plan to pack and bring to the room. Maybe one roommate brings the mini fridge and the other brings the microwave or TV.
  • If you live close to one another, try to meet in person beforehand at a coffee shop or other location.
  • After you feel more comfortable, work on setting some ground rules or parameters for the room. Topics could include: sleep and class schedules, having guests over, or sharing food and snacks.

Have any questions? Be sure to contact the Residence Life team.

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