Introduction

At IISER Mohali, first-year students typically share a hostel room with one other person. However, there are instances where students end up with single occupancy rooms. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and the rare instances in which it may occur.

Common Scenarios Leading to Single Occupancy

There are two primary situations that can result in a student having a single occupancy room:

1. Roommate Leaves

This can happen in a few days to a few weeks. In such cases, either the roommate leaves for another college or leaves IISER Mohali altogether. Despite the IISER administration making efforts to find a new roommate for such students, a few manage to stay in a single occupancy room. This situation is often unforeseen and beyond the control of the administration.

2. Severe Disagreements

Intense disagreements or conflicts between roommates can lead to a more dire scenario. Some notable tales include the so-called “Catfight of Philosophy,” which, while highly dramatic, best illustrates the examples in person. Such conflicts often escalate to complaints to the Dean of Student Affairs. The outcome of these complaints is frequently a rearrangement of roommates, resulting in each student being given a single occupancy room.

It is important to note that unless the roommate turns out to be exceptionally difficult to get along with, it is generally not recommended to rely on these options for obtaining a single occupancy room. This is due to the high improbability of such scenarios occurring and the potential negative impact on both students involved.

Resolving Conflicts

Most conflicts between roommates can be resolved, and many students, even those who initially had issues, end up becoming good friends. Consequently, the administration and student body generally prioritize conflict resolution over room reassignments.

Conclusion

While single occupancy rooms are a rare occurrence at IISER Mohali, they can happen under specific circumstances. Whether it results from a roommate leaving or a severe disagreement, obtaining a single occupancy room is not a common or desirable outcome, as it can be emotionally and logistically challenging. It is therefore advised that students prioritize maintaining positive relationships with their roommates and seek peaceful resolutions to any conflicts.

Keywords: IISER Mohali, Hostel Rooms, Single Occupancy