How to Contact Your New Roommate for the First Time
You can feel very excited, and probably a little anxious, about having a random roommate for the first time. Once you’ve figured out who this person you’re going to be living with is (first, check your school’s website or housing kiosk for room assignments to see the name of your new roommate), you can use one of the options I’ve outlined below to contact them. Here are a few ideas to make the introduction a little less stressful:
You can never go wrong with Facebook, because mostly everyone has an account. Search the name of your roommate and check out some info about them. Most schools tend to assign roommates with similar interests, habits, or majors. Then, send them a friendly message saying, “Hi, I’m (your name), your new roommate at (school’s name),” to get the conversation started.
Social Media
You can try to search them on another social media site, like Twitter and Instagram. This is a good way to find out about other things that interest them, as well as how they come across on social media. Just keep in mind that not everyone is the same in real life as they are online. Check out your own social media pages, and see if they really represent you in the way you want it to.
Text Them
Usually schools put your roommate’s contact information on the site. Texting is a good option (that’s what I did). Introduce yourself, get to know each other, chat about different things you might be bringing to your dorm (do you really need two microwaves?), and even plan some school activities. I found out my roommate and I both like to volunteer. So, before school, we signed up for volunteering together. This was a fun bonding activity for us. You could also plan to go to sports games together, go out to eat, or join a club.
Call Them
If you want to be really friendly, you can call them and introduce yourself that way. Keep the conversation short, but fun. If it seems like you are both getting into the conversation, then keep it going.
Email is another quick way to contact your roommate. After you introduce yourself, add in a few things, like your major, where you’re from, how many siblings you have, what you’re looking forward to when you get to school, or what other items you are going to bring.
What to Avoid
Be sure not to get too fixated on trying to make a good impression. For example, if you follow them on social media, you don’t have to like/comment on everything they post. Don’t send them tons of Snapchats or memes. You should also avoid talking about how much partying you like to do, or how you’re an obsessed clean freak. Ease into talking about these things until you’re in person.
No Expectations
Also, do not expect you and your roommate to be best friends, especially right away. It’s important for you to get along, but that doesn’t mean you have to be attached at the hip everywhere you go. Be open to meeting new people, too! You and your roommate don’t necessarily have to join the same clubs or register for the same classes. Branch out and find what you like to do, and find other people around campus with those same interests.
On the bright side, it can be exciting to get a new roommate. You guys were matched for a reason, so have fun figuring out what those reasons are. Also, there is a ton to do on a college campus, so plan ahead, and have fun!
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