You’ve officially received your housing assignment—congrats! Now you know where you’ll be living and who you’ll be sharing the space with. Naturally, your first instinct might be to plug their name into every social media platform you can think of and start digging. But before you go down that rabbit hole, consider this: there’s a better way to make a first impression.
Put the phone down. Pick up a video call.
While social media can offer some surface-level insights, it’s rarely the full picture. Posts and profiles are curated, not candid—and it’s easy to form assumptions about someone before you’ve even said “hi.” Instead, send a quick message introducing yourself and suggest hopping on a video chat.
Seeing someone face-to-face (even virtually) helps you pick up on body language, tone, and personality in ways a bio or Instagram grid never could. It sets a more human tone from the start and opens the door for an authentic connection.
If you can meet in person, even better.
If your schedules align, try attending the same campus orientation. It’s a low-pressure opportunity to get to know each other, explore your new environment, and maybe even share a hotel for the weekend. You’ll be laying the groundwork for shared experiences before move-in day even arrives – which goes a long way once classes start.
Roommate chemistry isn’t about being the same.
Some of the best roommate relationships come from pairing opposites. Maybe they’re into early morning runs, while you’re a night owl. Maybe they decorate with fairy lights, and you’re more of a minimalism person. That’s okay! What matters most is respect, open communication, and a willingness to learn from each other.
Speaking from experience, having a solid relationship with your roommate can completely shape your dorm life—for the better. The friends you make freshman year might not last forever, but the memories will.
One last piece of advice:
An RA once said, “It’s not about how many people you know. It’s about the quality of the connections you make.” As you get ready for this next chapter, keep that in mind. Start the conversation with your roommate now, and you’ll be surprised how far it can take you.
Enjoy the summer – you’ve got an exciting adventure ahead.