A lot of students who come to live on campus haven't shared a room with anyone before, which pretty much levels the playing field when it comes to negotiating the living arrangement. Even if you have had the opportunity to live with someone before, whether it was a sibling, good friend or not-so-good friend, you can share that experience with those around you.

So, since most of you haven't done it before, why do we make you do it when you come here? Becuase there are many, many situations throughout your life in which you will have to navigate differences. Your residence hall experience as a first year, and beyond, is the ultimate learning laboratory. You will learn just as much about yourself as you will about the people around you.

Not only will you learn how to respect people, but how to get their respect back. There is no magic check list for residence hall living, or getting along with your roommate. If you both try to respect each other, and talk early and often about what's great and not-so-great about your room, you're off to a really great start.