Ready to Thrive Series
Critical: Find your Roommate
Tamra Kerns
Roommate Selection Timeline
- Begin exploring options once you've confirmed enrollment
- Many roommate selections must be finalized by mid-May, but check the details on your college housing website
- Both parties typically need to request each other through the housing system
- Don't rush this decision - compatibility matters more than initial impressions
Official College Matching Systems
- Most colleges offer an online questionnaire/matching system
- These typically assess living habits, sleep schedules, and study preferences
- Usually available through your housing portal after enrollment
Social Media Groups
- Many colleges have official or unofficial Class of 20XX Facebook/Instagram groups
- Look for roommate search posts or create your own with honest details
- Use caution and verify someone is actually admitted before making arrangements
Orientation Meet-Ups
- Some students connect during in-person or virtual orientation events
- This gives you a chance to meet potential roommates face-to-face
- Some colleges host specific roommate matching events
Mutual Connections
- Ask if anyone from your high school or community is attending the same college
- Network with other admitted students in your area
Random Assignment
- Many students have excellent experiences with random assignments
- This can expand your social circle beyond people similar to you
- Most colleges take basic lifestyle preferences into account
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Important Email Clarification Once you enroll in a college (if not before), colleges assign you a NEW, OFFICIAL college email address (different from your application portal) This is NOT the same as your personal email you used during the application process This new address typically follows a format like: firstname.lastname@college.edu or username@college.edu You must actively set up and begin monitoring this NEW account (instructions are usually sent to your personal email) Many students miss critical information because they don't realize they have this new email account Why This Is Critical All official communications come through your college email Time-sensitive deadlines are often announced with minimal notice Access links for housing, orientation, and course registration arrive here Financial aid updates and requirements are sent exclusively to this address Missing these emails can result in lost opportunities, housing, or even admission Email Best Practices Set up and activate your college email account immediately upon receiving setup instructions Set up email forwarding from your college email to your personal email if allowed (highly recommended) Download the college email app on your phone with notifications enabled Create a daily check-in routine - morning coffee + email check Add your college email to all devices (phone, laptop, tablet) Check spam/junk folders daily - important emails sometimes land there Respond promptly to all requests for information Never ignore emails from departments like housing, financial aid, or registrar Parent Access Parents cannot access your college email - it's your responsibility Forward important emails to parents if they help manage deadlines Consider creating a shared calendar for key dates and deadlines
The May 1st National Decision Deadline You must commit to your college by May 1st (unless otherwise specified) This deadline is strictly enforced by most institutions Missing this deadline can result in your spot being given to waitlisted students How to Officially Enroll Log into your admitted student portal Complete the enrollment confirmation form Pay the non-refundable enrollment deposit (typically $200-$500) Print or screenshot your confirmation for your records Declining Other Offers Once you've committed to your chosen college, promptly decline offers from all other colleges Log into each admission portal and find the option to decline your offer This ethical step allows colleges to offer your spot to waitlisted students Some colleges rely on these declines to manage their incoming class size This courtesy helps other students who may be anxiously waiting for openings Update Your High School Records Enter your college results (acceptances, denials, waitlists) in your high school's system (Naviance, SCOIR, etc.) Include scholarship information if your school tracks this data This information helps your high school counsel future students on appropriate college matches The aggregated data provides valuable insights about admission patterns for students from your school This simple step helps build the knowledge base for future graduates from your high school Financial Concerns If the deposit presents a financial hardship, contact admissions immediately Some colleges offer deposit waivers based on financial need Never miss this deadline due to financial concerns without communicating
Housing Deadlines Are Different - Know the Facts for Your College Each college has their own unique process for housing applications. You MUST pay attention to this, and as soon as you are accepted to a college (or in some cases enroll in it) you will receive information about housing. Housing deadlines often come before the May 1st decision deadline Popular housing options fill on a first-come, first-served basis Missing housing deadlines can result in less desirable assignments or no on-campus housing Housing Application Steps Complete the housing preference form completely Pay any required housing deposits (separate from enrollment deposit) Submit special accommodation requests ASAP (medical, accessibility, etc.) Note your preferences honestly (don't say "any room is fine" if untrue)
Why College Orientation Matters You'll start to meet your future classmates, make friends, and get acquainted with the campus, making the transition in the fall far easier It's often where you'll register for classes, complete placement testing, select or confirm housing, get your student ID, and establish critical connections with advisors Most colleges offer orientation in various formats: multi-day on-campus programs (sometimes overnight), one-day sessions, virtual components, or specialized programs for certain majors or the honors college Missing orientation can significantly impact your course options, housing assignments, and overall college start Locating Orientation Information Colleges communicate orientation details through multiple channels, so be sure to check around until you locate it: College email account - The primary and official communication method Admitted student portal - Often contains orientation registration links Dedicated orientation website - May include schedules and preparation materials Printed materials - Some schools still mail orientation information If you haven't received orientation information by early June, be proactive and contact the new student or admissions office directly. Critical Registration Deadlines Orientation registration typically follows this timeline: Registration opens: Usually April-June Registration deadlines: Typically 2-4 weeks before each orientation date Popular dates fill quickly: Early sessions often reach capacity within days Late registration: May incur additional fees or limited date options Selecting the Optimal Orientation Date Consider these factors when choosing your orientation session: Earlier sessions often provide better course selection options Program-specific sessions may be required for certain majors Conflicts with summer commitments should be evaluated carefully Travel logistics for distant campuses require advance planning Pre-Orientation Requirements Many colleges require completion of tasks before orientation begins: Online modules covering campus policies, academic integrity, etc. Placement assessments for proper course positioning Health forms and immunization records submission Financial aid verification documents completion