<p>Hi, looking for advice from fellow parents who may have been in this situation. S's assigned roommate appears to be from quite a different background (no issues there) with very different values. He has made numerous posts on the Univ's Class of 2015 Facebook wall speaking of how much pot will be smoked, the room being party central, use of hookah, etc. S is not into that AT ALL. What proactive steps, besides providing sound advice to S, can/should I take? Would it be appropriate to discretely touch base with the RA or a Res Life representative at dropoff? Have any of you been in my shoes? How did you handle it, and how did it work out?</p>
<p>I know, these are just "words on Facebook", I've been trying to convince myself of that...but not doing a very good job. Honestly - I'm not a prude, I know this stuff goes on all the time...just looking for options on how to get things off to a good start, in order to avoid bigger issues later on. </p>
<p>Hopefully I won't get slammed. If you all tell me to butt out, I will....</p>
<p>I would advise your son to wait and see what happens. If it’s out of line, HE can talk to the RA. I think it would be too much “hovering” for you to talk to the RA. I can understand your wanting to get involved, but I think it’s better for the student to speak up. That’s what RAs are there for.</p>
<p>I am amazed at some of the stupid stuff my straight laced son writes on facebook. I tell him how silly it looks, but it is him being cool, I guess? I am not sure. My point is that the info this student is writing may be silliness, and not real. </p>
<p>One thing I have read about at colleges is a roommate contract, where rules of the room/suite are agreed on and discussed. Some colleges seem to institute this universally, some just mention and recommend it. It may be something for your son to consider looking into at his college to see if that can be a place to open this discussion with his roommate. </p>
<p>Of course the first time I read about those contracts I immediately thought about the Roommate Agreement that Sheldon and Leonard have on Bing Bang Theory! LOL</p>
<p>You (and he) will definitely have to wait and see what happens. And I agree with above posters, he should handle it. If worse comes to worst, he can request a room change. But, don’t jump the gun.</p>