<p>Alright, So my college officially released roommate requests yesterday. So I looked them up via facebook and twitter yesterday. The problem is I kinda got a bad impression. While looking on their twittetr and facebook I saw that they used rather crude language concerning homosexuality and African Americans frequently.(fag, nigga) They also seem somewhat religious. The problem is that I'm gay (not out, haven't told anyone). I'm wondering if it might be a good idea to switch roommates online. The process is very simple, and since I sent my deposit in early, I get first priority. Should I get to know them first instead, or just make the switch without meeting them. If I switch, what are the chances of getting someone worse In addition Would they see that I requested a switch? and yeah I know, you can't base everything off of facebook, but their posts seem to go against who I am? I wanted to be around some at least somewhat supportive</p>
<p>I’d see those as red flags and I would support your decision if you decided to go that route. You could try to chat or message him first and bring up your concerns, “hey I noticed you posted some things about xyz, and I’m slightly uncomfortable with that…” and see how he/she responds. Some people are just immature teenagers that joke about these things but don’t actually mean them. Anyways, if you do decide to switch first priority sounds nice and I doubt most roommates are so fundamentally bad that you won’t be able to stand them (most are pretty good and friendly)/ If this concerns you, definitely look into it because you don’t want to have a bad experience down the road.</p>
<p>As someone that did have a bad roommate situation my freshman year (very long story…), I’d take this opportunity to switch if possible. What shawnspencer says is true regarding some people just being immature and not meaning the kind of stuff they posted, but given the situation I’d personally take it as a major red flag regardless. It is true that most roommates are at least friendly, so if you do switch you’re not too likely to run into problems. Also remember that regardless of your choice, you don’t need to be best friends with your roommate; you just need to be able to tolerate living together.</p>
<p>Know that people often use social media to present themselves the way they want to be seen, which could mean one of two things: </p>
<ol>
<li>He an aggressive, homophobic, racist bigot, or </li>
<li>He’s grown up in a poor social environment and thinks that kind of language is ‘cool’ (or at the very least, acceptable). </li>
</ol>
<p>You could see this as an opportunity to enlighten a person, but then again that’s a responsibility you might not want as a roommate; this is your living situation you’re talking about, after all. There’s also the risk (s)he’s the former, but I think you could decide whether or not that’s the case by chatting with him/her briefly over facebook or something. </p>
<p>Also, I don’t know where you’re going to college, but know that even the smallest colleges normally have far more students that your highschool. This sort of thing might constitute ‘mega drama’ at your old high school, but know that it’s unlikely he’s going to be someone you’ll run into frequently/feel awkward around in college if you choose to switch after you’ve talked to him.</p>
<p>Your dorm is a place you need to feel comfortable. Put your safety (and mental health) first, always.</p>
<p>While the person might be perfectly nice, if their use of those terms makes you uncomfortable and switching is easy…I’d say switch. Your room is your “home” and you want to feel safe and comfortable there for the next year.</p>
<p>I would probably just go ahead and move. Even if the person just thinks those terms are okay to use and is not a raging homophobe or an out and out racist, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with someone using those words around me. I would also not be surprised if your prospective roomie, though not blatantly homophobic, were uncomfortable rooming with a gay man.</p>
<p>Make screen captures of the offending FB posts, in case u get challenged on the room change request. </p>
<p>Make the switch ASAP. Why feel uncomfortable before move in day? He may take issue with you chastising him over his FB posts. Especially seeing that you haven’t met yet. </p>
<p>Switch. </p>
<p>Hard to believe in 2014 people still use the ‘n’ word - definitely switch.</p>
<p>My first response on reading the title of your post was, "give the person a chance and get to know him/her before deciding. But after reading your post, I say switch now! I guess I am naive to think someone in your age group would not use those words in this day and age, but definitely get out while you can.</p>
<p>Yeah that sounds super sketchy… Switching roommates would be a good idea if you don’t want to constantly feel like you’re hiding something around a judgmental roommate. </p>
<p>Switch if it is easy to do now.</p>