College Roommates

Living with roommates can either be a positive or a negative experience. For many students, college is their first experience away from home and living with someone other than family. That means learning how to communicate with someone new and practicing some tolerance for each other.

You or your roommate may experience homesickness or loneliness. You may have to deal with hormones and PMS. Sometimes your roommates become your best friends. Other times, they are just OK. Occasionally, you may not get along. A bad roommate can affect you emotionally and interfere with your studies and sleep. If it isn't working out, ask to be transferred to another room. Realize, though, you may have to wait it out until the end of the semester, unless there is an availability. Talk to your Resident Advisor (RA) if you need help.
 
At most colleges, Freshmen are required to live in the dorms their first year. Some students opt to secure a private room, if available. However, most will live with roommates -- with 2 to 6 or more student together. Some colleges allow you to choose your roommates, while others assign them. Most colleges have some living quarters reserved for "Quiet Living" -- for students who want to live where it is quiet enough for studying and sleeping.

One of the most important things you can do is to have a discussion with any potential roommates and find out what you both expect of each other. These questions apply whether you live in the dorms or off-campus:

• How do both of your study habits compare? Where and when do you study?
• How much sleep do you both need? (What time do you go to bed and wake up?) Do you snore?
• How neat and tidy do you both expect to live? Who will vacuum, take the garbage out, wash dishes, etc. and how often?
• What things are OK to borrow from each other and what isn't? (ie: food, curling iron, laptop, clothes, razor, shampoo, bike, etc.)
• How do you feel about visitors in your room? 
• What about parties, drinking, or smoking?
• Do either of you have any allergies or a medical condition?
• What temperature do you prefer to keep the room? (How cold or hot?)
• Do either of you play any instruments?
• Do you have pets?
• Do either of you require quiet time or time to be alone? 
• What kind of music do you listen too? 
• How do you plan on decorating your space?
• What is important to both of you as far as school, grades, social life, religion, politics, etc? 
• What kind of relationship do you want with your roommate and what do they want?
• How will you address and solve problems that come up?
• Who is bringing what? Make sure you communicate about shared items, like a microwave or mini fridge, unless you want more than one of them.

Just remember that choosing a roommate is an important decision, but not permanent. You will probably have several different roommates during your entire college experience and will learn valuable things about yourself and others. Even if you ask your best friend to be your roommate, be sure to go over these questions (above). Sometimes living with a friend can turn out different than you both expect. It can even put a strain on your relationship.

Finally, take a trip to the dorms, if possible, and check them out before you decide on your housing accommodations. The more information you gather, the better the decision you will make. Have fun and good luck!    

How to take a great Student ID photo!

Every new college student needs a Student Identification card -- which requires having your photo taken. Your student ID card will remain with you for the length of your college experience. So, how can you make sure your picture looks great? Here's a few tips:

• Remember that your photo is a head shot only. Consider wearing a shirt with a higher neckline (like a t-shirt or shirt with a collar). Avoid scoop neck, tank top, or sleeveless outfits which will leave you looking, well... naked. 
• Best advice... practice at home. Take a few head shots to determine how you want your hair, what outfit to wear, whether your shirt and neckline looks OK, how you want to smile, and so forth.  
• If you have long hair, pull both sides forward over your shoulders for the picture. Avoid wearing a pony tail.
• Smile! But don't smile too big or too small. Practice in a mirror and find a happy medium.
• You won't be allowed to wear a hat in the picture, so don't wear one before to avoid "hat hair". 
• Also, don't wear sunglasses right before to avoid "nose impressions".
• Take off your coat, jacket, or hoodie. It will make you look bulky in the neck and body.
• Bring a small mirror to check your hair, face, and teeth right before.  
• When you get to school to have the photo taken for your student card, ask the photographer what to expect. Will they count "1, 2, 3"? If you know when the photo is about to be taken, you will look more natural. Otherwise, you may smile too soon, not at all, or have "buggy" eyes. 
• If you absolutely hate your picture, you can probably get a replacement card -- but with a fee.
• Some colleges allow students to submit their own pictures for their ID card. Just make sure you follow the school's guidelines.