So it's move-in day and you are finally moving into your dorm and getting a roommate or roommates. Once in college, it is all about getting to know your roomate on a deeper level and estabilshing rules and boundaries. Never apporach your roommate(s) with a closed-off attitude, be open-minded and optisimistic about what can come from this new relationship. You never know you and your roommate(s) may end up being the best of friends. In order to develop a strong friendship or connection with your roomate go through the following stages so you can get to know each other on a deeper level:

Here are some questions for the first conversation.

1) THE ICEBREAKERS

- Why did you choose this college?

- Do you have any siblings? If so are they older or younger than you?

- How did you spend your summer?

- What is you major?

- Are you involved in sports, theater, band, or other activities?

- Do you have any pets?

- Where are you from?

- Any favorite hobbies?

- Do you travel a lot? Where is your favorite place you have been?

- Favorite shows? movies? music artists?

Now that you have touched base, now it is time to plan for move-in day. Ask the following questions to coordinate and plan ahead?

2) THE TRANSITION

- How would you like to decorate the dorm room?

- Which appliances or decorations can you bring on move-in day?

- Do you know anyone ele attending the college?

- What classes are you planning to take?

- What are you planning to do for fun?

Finally is important to learn about boundaries.

3) DIGGING DEEPER & LEARNING BOUNDARIES

- What kind of social life are you hoping to find in college?

- Are you a morning or night person?

- Are you a light or heavy sleeper?

- Do you need a quiet envirnoment to study or can someone play music while you are studying?

- Are you a smoker or drinker?

- How often do you like to clean?

- Are you planning to have friends or significant others over often?

Also make sure to go overany other personal guidelines, as to how you want your dorm room to run, and take insight from both sides. Don't be afraid to make compromises and lay out what you would like in the dorm room experience, and I wish you the best of luck!