Essential Considerations for New Students Filling Out College Housing Questionnaires

As an incoming college student, completing a housing questionnaire can seem like a tedious and unimportant task. However, this questionnaire is crucial for ensuring that you are matched with a roommate and living situation that suits your needs and preferences. While universities may not give it much consideration other than confirming whether you are okay with sharing with a smoker or not, there are several other important aspects of the survey that can significantly impact your dorm living experience.

Understanding the Importance of the Housing Questionnaire

Tomn, a former Resident Advisor (RA) who has lived in the dorms, emphasizes the significance of the housing questionnaire. According to Tomn, dorm living can be very different from what you might be used to at home. Many students transition from having their own room in high school to sharing a space with one or more roommates in college. Therefore, it is essential to approach this questionnaire with honesty and a willingness to provide thorough, detailed information.

Thoroughly Completing the Housing Questionnaire

Key Points to Consider:

Be Honest: Complete every question with honesty, especially if the questions seem irrelevant or silly. Even though the smoking question was the only one they paid attention to in your freshman year, other questions are still valuable and will help you get a better match with a roommate. Provide Detailed Information: Include your hobbies, music preferences, and even sleep schedules. This information can help your university place you with a roommate who has similar habits and likes/dislikes, making dorm living more manageable. Add Comments: Use the comments section to highlight any concerns or point out your preferences that may not be covered by the standard questions.

Most incoming freshmen are accustomed to their own private rooms at home, while in high school. Transitioning to dorm living means sharing a space with one, two, or even three roommates. While your freshman roommate does not have to become your best friend for life, it is important to find someone with whom you can coexist harmoniously in a single room. Look for someone who has similar habits, interests, and dislikes to make your shared living experience more comfortable.

Preparing in Advance: Acclimation to Dorm Life

Ahead of your dorm move-in date, consider preparing yourself to adjust to dorm living by attending summer camps or programs that simulate the college experience. For instance, both of my sons acclimated in advance by attending two-week summer camps each summer and living in one-room accommodations. This helped them adapt to sharing a space and interacting with roommates, which made the transition to college dorm life smoother.

Conclusion: Emphasizing the Value of Completing the Housing Questionnaire

Completing a thorough and honest housing questionnaire is not only a formality but a practical step in ensuring a positive dorm living experience. By providing detailed information about your preferences and needs, you can increase the likelihood of being matched with a roommate who complements your lifestyle. Remember, dorm living is part of the college experience, and coexisting with roommates is an essential skill to develop.