Hi parents,
Does anyone have recommendations regarding dorms and siblings starting at the same time? My 2 kids are starting in September and I’m not sure if we should request the same dorm? Share same room? Thoughts?
Thanks
Sorry I should have mentioned that they are attending boarding school for high school. They are not starting at a college.
I would not let the older kid overshadow the younger kid in the same dorm. The younger kid may suffer and resent. Having two kids in the same school is already an issue. My younger kid felt glad that she did not have to attend the same college with my son.
Depending upon the school, the decision may be made for you, particularly if they are in different grades. Incoming students generally room with students of the same lass, so the school may not allow them to share the same room the first year, although they may allow it for later years. Indeed, some schools do not allow incoming students to choose their roommates at all in order to give the students more exposure to students outside their clique.
Even if the school allows, I would recommend them not rooming together the first year. Personally, I would put them in different dorms as well.
I don’t think you should worry over the dynamics of having more than one child in the school. Many families at any school have multiple children there. As to roommates and dorms, let the school place your children according to its own rules. But if they ask you, I suggest you say a firm no to rooming together.
I would say no, if they do give you a choice. Especially if they are starting for the first time, you want them to be able to find themselves and make their own friends.