<p>On JHU's Facebook page, there is a roommate search group. The questions ask for things like intended major, religion, how important are your grades, what are your favorite hobbies, etc. Since I'm a Christian and come from an area where I've never been exposed to alcohol or drugs, I think I'd be more comfortable rooming with someone who doesn't drink or do drugs, or have those things in our room. I guess there are people to check for that kind of stuff (?) but based off my experience at SOHOP, I know things can slip under the radar. </p>
<p>I like the idea of random pairing otherwise, and think that it is best to have a roommate based on living habits, but what are the chances that I'll end up with a person like this? What should I do?</p>
<p>Eh, I think I come from a similar background as yours (I’m intl). Before that group was found, I’ve messaged a few other intl students, and I found one in a neighboring country. We talked a few times and she asked me to room with her since we requested the same building + vacation housing. We just matched our lifestyles (the questions in the questionnaire) and since it is remarkably similar, we finally requested each other.</p>
<p>I think it’s fine if you want to choose your own roommate (I myself find it uncomfortable if people do drugs or invite their boyfriends in, etc etc). That said, you have to make sure that your lifestyles match too (when you wake up, sleep, clean… Just consult the questionnaire). If you do random pairing, however, I think you’ll be fine too. During orientation you’re usually briefed on how to discuss certain things with your roommates and suitemates, including rules about alcohol,drugs,romantic guests. You don’t have to be the best of friends with your roommate - you just have to make the best living arrangements with him/her so that you two will be comfortable.</p>
<p>Plus, I think if your roommate turned out to be completely out of control, you can take the matter to your RA.</p>
<p>I think either of the two avenues for selecting a roommate would work well as long as you make it really clear that you want a roommate who doesn’t drink or do drugs. There are definitely other kids who are in the same boat. Once at college, you may find that you are a little bit open to occasional partying - but this is not something you want forced upon you (and is something you need to determine in your own space and time). Kids who do party regularly have very different lifestyles. Our oldest daughter wanted to be open minded and was agreeable to roommates who were more experimental with drugs/alcohol than she was. She was miserable her first year in college. (This wasn’t Johns Hopkins.) Even our slightly more experimental son couldn’t stand the smell when friends smoked in his room and found it hard to study when they were drinking. These are very important distinctions that you should not hesitate to request. It will make your college experience much easier and allow you to feel confident and secure in your own room. The more experimental kids will still like you for who you are, and everyone will be happier.</p>
<p>Thanks for the feedback accioknight and nina22!</p>
<p>@OnMyWay so which path will you be taking? 
Btw, we’re in the same FB group, you know :D</p>
<p>Haha, cool… I think I’ll join the group. It’ll be easier to find someone who doesn’t drink or do drugs that way, and then I’m willing to compromise on other living habits…</p>
<p>just choose substance free housing… you shouldn’t have that much trouble getting a spot there.</p>
<p>The fact of the matter is most college students will at least drink. I know very few people who could say that they’ve never kept alcohol in their room/suite. The RA’s do not check in refrigerators or cabinets when doing room checks (which happens maybe twice a year). The only way people get caught is if they are being loud while drinking with others or if you complain. I highly recommend you do not complain unless it is seriously affecting you since that won’t help you make a lot of friends.</p>
<p>I didn’t see choice for substance free housing on the housing questionnaire - where does one request it?</p>
<p>Bump to get an answer for collagedad’s question because I don’t see it either…</p>
<p>not 100% sure since I didn’t live there. i’d e-mail the school</p>
<p>^Done and done! I’ll let y’all know.</p>
<p>OK, I finally got a reply, for anyone who still cares:</p>
<p>“Substance-Free Housing will actually not be offered as an option for this upcoming year, however, it is important to remember that substances are prohibited from all of our residence halls.”</p>
<p>So… Yeah…</p>