Living
on Campus
Becoming
a Roommate: From Stranger to Friend
Living on campus
is an integral part of the Gardner-Webb experience. Students who choose to live
on campus are exposed to a stimulating variety of opportunities that maximize
growth and development. Residential facilities are shared by a rich mix of in-state
and out-of-state students, as well as international students from a number of
different countries. The result is a positive blend of culturally rich backgrounds
and interests among the residents.
One of the most positive aspects of living on-campus is preparing to be a roommate.
Life with roommates can provide some of the most rewarding times a student will
have at Gardner-Webb. Many people develop lifelong relationships that begin
with roommates, suite mates and hall mates. With a little effort, each student
can create a roommate experience that will be remembered for years to come.
You can rest assured that you will have at least one thing in common with every
first-year Runnin' Bulldog: you are worried about being a roommate. This sudden
change in lifestyle may be a challenging, but rewarding transition.
The most important step you can take in preparing to become a roommate is to
learn to communicate. The ability to communicate effectively with your roommate
is perhaps the single most important factor in avoiding conflicts. Open up the
lines of communication early in the summer. When you receive your housing assignment,
you will be given your future roommate's name, home address and telephone number.
Some key elements in learning to live in close quarters with others include:
mutual respect, compromise, understanding and consideration. Remember that your
roommate may have different values, beliefs and customs than you. The differences
can be exciting and can foster a positive living and learning environment.
Other important things to consider:
1) Think about your PERSONAL BACKGROUND:
Beyond such facts as hair color and height, consider your beliefs regarding your life at this time. Here are some things to think about:
What would you tell someone about your family?
How do you describe your friends?
What is your hometown known for?
How would you characterize your neighborhood and the community back home?
What were you involved in at high school or in your community?
What will you miss most while away from home?
2) Consider some your PERSONAL PREFERENCES AND HABITS:
This starts to get into what makes you tick and what ticks you off. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Describe your study habits
What activities do you want to get involved in at GWU?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
How important is it for you to have a neat, clean room?
How do you feel about your possessions? What should not be borrowed?
How easy is it for you to make new friends?
What types of music do you enjoy?
What do you do in your spare time?
3) How do you handle your EMOTIONS?
How do you deal with stress?
What do you do when someone is bugging you?
When do you need to be alone?
What annoys you?
What about you might be annoying to others?
*The previous points were adapted from The Roommate Starter Kit and are intended to spark your thoughts about yourself. This summer, before you write or call your future roommate, take time to consider how you would respond to the previous questions. After you have thoughts about these issues, discuss them with your roommate. This will be the first step in preparing to meet and understand one another.
The Office of Residence Life will make every effort to match you with a compatible roommate based on the information you provide on your Housing Contract. Although we cannot guarantee a specific preference, every effort is made to accommodate your requests. Residence Hall space is granted on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you arrive on campus and are not satisfied with your room or your roommate assignment, you will be given opportunity to move during the third week of class.
Special accommodations are available based on medical need. If you require such accommodations, please specify this on your Housing Contract and submit it, along with a letter from your personal physician stating your specific needs and requirements
Gardner-Webb University; Boiling Springs, North Carolina 28017 USA (704) 406-4000
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