Complete housing questionnaire

Overview

Housing questionnaires match you with roommates. Answer thoughtfully and honestly - your roommate situation affects your first-year happiness significantly.

Typical Questions

Sleep Patterns

• Early bird (bed before 11 PM)
• Average (11 PM - 1 AM)
• Night owl (1 AM+)
• Inconsistent

Study Habits

• Very quiet (library atmosphere)
• Quiet with music/phone conversations
• Normal talking and ambient noise
• Loud and social

Cleanliness

• Very neat (daily cleaning)
• Regular (weekly cleaning)
• Average (every few weeks)
• Relaxed (monthly)

Social Preferences

• Private (rarely have guests)
• Casual (occasional friends)
• Social (frequent guests)
• Very social (group hangouts)

Temperature

• Cool (below 68°F)
• Moderate (68-72°F)
• Warm (72°F+)

Other Preferences

• Music preference
• Allergies
• Smoking/alcohol preferences
• Political viewpoint (rare but some schools ask)

Be Honest

Don't pretend to be someone you're not:

• If you're messy, say so (so you match with relaxed roommate)
• If you need silence, say so
• If you have allergies, disclose

Special Requests

Consider mentioning:

• Chronic medical conditions
• Service animal
• Religious or cultural practices
• Sleep disorders
• Mental health considerations (if comfortable)

Requesting a Specific Roommate

If you know someone attending same school:

• Request them via the system
• Both must request each other
• Not always granted, but often possible

Random Match

If taking pot luck:

• Trust the system
• Be open-minded
• Communicate after match

Pre-Match Communication

After roommate assignment:

1. Reach out (email, text, social media)
2. Introduce yourself
3. Discuss room setup
4. Coordinate larger items (mini fridge, microwave)
5. Discuss expectations

First Conversations

Topics to discuss early:

• Room layout preferences
• What to share (cleaning supplies, furniture)
• Study and sleep schedules
• Visitors and guests
• Drinking/substances
• Religious or family practices

Special Situations

Single Room Preference

• Medical reasons (disabled, chronic illness)
• Religious or cultural reasons
• Mental health reasons
• Document with Disability Services if needed

Change After Move-In

If roommate mismatch becomes severe:

• Communicate openly first
• Involve Residence Advisor
• Request room change through housing office
• Patience; changes take time

Gender-Inclusive Housing

Many colleges offer:

• Gender-neutral roommates
• LGBTQ-affirming housing
• Cultural houses
• Religious houses
• Check if applicable to you

Quiet Hours

• Most halls have designated quiet hours
• Know and respect them
• Request quiet housing if needed

Visitor Policies

• Know your hall's rules
• Sign-in/sign-out procedures
• Overnight guest limits
• Health and safety

Common Issues First Year

• Different sleep schedules
• Cleanliness conflicts
• Loudness differences
• Guest frequency
• Political or lifestyle differences

Conflict Resolution

If conflicts arise:

1. Talk directly to roommate first
2. Involve Residence Advisor if needed
3. Mediation with housing office
4. Room change as last resort

Your Rights

As a resident, you have right to:

• Safe living environment
• Quiet study time
• Privacy
• Freedom from discrimination
• Reporting concerns

Trust the Process

Most first-year roommate situations work out. Mismatches can sometimes be learning opportunities. Some become lifelong friends.