<p>Ive had a single room (originally a double) for this semester. This wasnt a choice by me, but my old roommate transferred and I ended up getting a single. Some random kid just emailed me that he would like to move into my room because he was having roommate troubles, and he made it sound like I had the choice to do so. I dont want to be a complete jerk about this but I dont know him and would like to keep my single. Ive had terrible experiences with roommates in the past, and I have no idea how we would get along. His situation is probably pretty serious, but for all I know it is him that is causing the trouble. I also told my suitemates (I live with four other guys, different rooms) about this, and they dont want anybody moving in either. Not like it matters, but we all have a good relationship and I dont want to ruin that if I dont have to. </p>
<p>So I have a few questions about this:</p>
<p>-Do I even have a choice? I would normally contact the residence life office but I do not want to call attention to the issue just yet. Do schools normally allow the person already living there some discretion?</p>
<p>-Just want some opinions here, do you think I should just ignore the email? Meet with him? I mean for all I know he could be my new best friend right? </p>
<p>If you’re paying for a double, chances are that you can’t say no to a roommate (unless there are specific problems with an individual).</p>
<p>This is a tough call, and I’m not saying this is the right thing to do, but my inclination is to just ignore the e-mail. Maybe the person will get the hint and inquire elsewhere. But, if the person does show up, then make the best of it. As you said, maybe the person will be a great roommate.</p>
<p>Yuck, what a horrible spot to be put in. I agree that if you are paying for a double you probably have no choice. You are probably too nice of a person to blow him off. I guess you could meet with the guy and tell him you asked and the other suite mates do not want an additional person and you don’t want to make pleasant situation bad. Just tell him sorry, but no. Maybe just email him if you meet him you might cave in, because you might feel sorry for him.</p>
<p>I wonder how he got your email? Would it be too farfetched to think that the residence office gave him a short list of available rooms with contact info to find a good match for himself?</p>
<p>And I kind of think it would be selfish for you to say no to him, in my humble opinion. You and your suitmates got a lucky break not having an extra person around for the time you did, but you’re not paying for that luxury and this kid is in a bad spot. I’d suggest meeting with him and asking what his take on the “trouble” is.</p>
<p>ETA: you not knowing him is not a good reason to turn him down. Most students are put with people they don’t know as their dormmates. I lived with three people I didn’t know in a single room. If you’re worried about your stuff, lock it up or take it with you.</p>
<p>If he got the email off a list, then you could ignore the email and he would most likely move on. I would respond and meet (he might not be horrible) and if it’s not a good situation, tell him that and he should get the message. Don’t beat around the bush though. Even if you are paying for a double, in the middle of a semester there may be more discretion for you to refuse a roommate.</p>
<p>I know when I was in that situation, I could say no. However, if I didn’t find a roommate by a certain time my housing was going to go up. So my friend just moved in with me.</p>