6 Steps to getting into UMHB | University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
To get into the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB), prospective students will need to follow...
#AdmissionsThe excitement builds as students plan to go to college. All the applications are completed, deposits paid, classes selected and decorations for their first place purchased. Then it hits! How will I survive living with a roommate? Whether you know the roommate or are both complete strangers, some challenges lay ahead. Fortunately, with a bit of planning and thought, you can avoid some pitfalls and start things off on the right foot. Here are my favorite top 10 action plan items:
Have a conversation on the phone or by Zoom or meet up (if you live close enough). Texting and emailing aren't personal enough for a conversation with someone you will be spending a LOT of time with.
Even though you are great friends, give each other space to form new friendships. That's what college is all about. Too often, one roommate will form new friendships, and the other roommate will get hurt by not being included. Have a long discussion before leaving for college. Give each other space to make new friends and schedule time to be together. Nurture the old and the new friendships.
Think about what that looks like to share a sink or a toilet with someone (oh my!). One has white noise or a fan when sleeping; the other can't sleep under those conditions. One stays up late, and the other goes to bed early. One is a rule-follower, and the other is not. One is a total mess, and the other likes things neat and tidy. The list goes on and on. Think these things through and make an action plan with your roommate. Agree with who is responsible for what and when. And… it is not too much to print it out, and each of you sign it.
Each roommate has equal access and enjoyment of the space provided. Each roommate is responsible for providing that for each other. Meaning, learn to find ways to help each other enjoy the space. Schedule a time each of you can have alone time in the room. If your roommate needs space to make a private phone call, offer to step out and go for a walk or grab a coffee. Be considerate of each other.
Keep communication open, kind and personal. Avoid passive-aggressive texts, silent treatment, gossip and yelling.
This seems obvious, but you would be surprised how often a roommate will offer things once to a roommate and then they assume it means always. This can cause disagreements or hurt feelings later. The roommate that offered in the first place becomes resentful and embarrassed to speak up.
Leave your room other than for class and meals. Join an organization, create a workout schedule at the gym, find ways to meet new people on campus, serve the community during an offered service project, check out what the campus activities are going on and what Baptist Student Ministry has to offer, or simply take a walk and pray.
Talk to a resident assistant or your residence director if you need help with a tough situation. You may just need help facilitating a conversation.
Nothing can cause more offensive odors than dirty laundry. Use plug-ins with scents you both agree on. Don't forget your sheets! It's always a shock to see how many students don't wash them all semester.
Come to move-in day day with the expectation that you can trust your roommate and WILL have a great semester. For every bad experience you have heard of, there are 10 times the good experiences.
Life with your new roommate can be a great experience if you keep a sense of humor and remain flexible.
You are both figuring out this whole adulting thing at the same time. Give grace as often as possible, and you will lay the foundation for a positive roommate partnership. College is a great environment to learn how to live with a roommate. There is always a support team ready to help in any situation you may face. Get packing!
Written by:
Resident Director Traci has enjoyed mentoring students for more than 10 years at UMHB. She began her life on campus as a resident director in 2014 and loves the opportunities it has afforded her to invest in the lives of students. Traci has a passion for serving the community by remaining active in local civic groups and sponsoring the ASTRA Club on campus which trains students how to successfully serve and lead service in their communities. Traci loves to bake and spend quality time with friends and her teenage daughter.
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