<p>Hi Guys,</p>
<p>The main forum had a "roomie-to-be" posting, which sparked a question in my mind....I wonder why Stanford doesn't allow future roommates to correspond before orientation? </p>
<p>It seems like most schools encourage roomies to meet either online or even face-to-face....I wonder if anyone knows the "why's and wherefores" of Stanford's "meet your roommate on the first day of orientation" policy? </p>
<p>Any current/former students have any scoop?</p>
<p>Just wondering...</p>
<p>They said in one of the mailings that they don't want us to form preconceived notions of our roommate (basically go on facebook and judge them from there). I frankly don't think this is a good policy, at nearly all other schools people know their roommate beforehand and it's not like we aren't gonna check our roommate's facebook when we find out who he/she is...so I don't know what they are playing at. Though they did say that their method has been working for years and that they like it. Maybe they are on to something I don't know.</p>
<p>I think it's so that you have plenty to talk about when you finally do meet--otherwise, you'll talk before you meet, and then have nothing to say when you do, and things will seem awkward. :)</p>
<p>I think the policy was established to prevent a multitude of premature requests (by students and anxious parents) for changes. Too many requests would result in a major headache for the administration when housing is already tight.</p>
<p>Way back in the 60's, no one knew their roommates ahead of time, unless you were able to request that a friend room with you. We met our roomies on move-in day and went from there. Luckily I had only good experiences with this. Nowadays, most kids who know their roommates names will contact them and start communicating via the internet. </p>
<p>As zannerina said, these contacts may cause students to believe that they won't like their prospective roommate, or that they won't be able to get along with him/her, prompting anxiety or requests for changes before even meeting face-to-face.</p>
<p>I kind of like that my S won't know who he will room with until he gets there. There is no chance for negative preconceived notions or disappointment ahead of time.</p>
<p>I think that discovering his roommate on move-in day will definitely make the day more exciting for my son. Still, from a planning perspective it would be nice if they could communicate a bit about furnishings like fridges, microwaves, etc.</p>
<p>I have to admit that initially before move in day I was a big sceptic of this policy and I really thought that it would have been better if I knew my roommate beforehand but now looking back 2 years later I have to say that I think its a great idea. People really do sound different over the internet or the phone than in person and its a lot easier for misconceptions to form over these less than perfect means.</p>