The Observer, August 31, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 1
Students' first homework assignment: pick the perfect roommate
In spite of the torrential rain and sweltering heat of the past week, there are now about 1150 new first-year students moved into the North Residential Village. For many returning students, the first week of their first year brings back memories of a time filled with change and uncertainty. Much of that surrounded housing: the traditional concerns of whether or not you would get along with your roommate, if you'd like your room, or if you'd even be able to survive without your parents there to check on you.
Some of these fears were alleviated for the class of 2011. For the first time, first-year students were given the option to select their individual dorm rooms. According to Alma Sealine, Director of Housing, the change was made because the housing office wished to give students the option to choose with whom they were living.
Room selection for these new students was done via the Internet. According to Sealine, making the process mainly web-based was an easy decision since "our [Case] students are more technologically savvy."
The process started off in a similar manner to previous room assignments, with a survey about each student's approximate bedtime and cleanliness. However, instead of simply choosing a preference for a residential college, the students were admitted to a special section of the myHousing webpage.
At myHousing they were able to see virtual layouts of all first-year dorm from which they could select their room. Once a room was partially full, an icon appeared showing that the room had one occupant. Along with that status, the answers from the survey were displayed without the name of the person.
In order to find roommates, myHousing also facilitated an online chat. Students also used the first-year discussion boards and other tools like Facebook. Sealine stated that the students "were given until May 1 for their decisions. Then our office chose a room for them."
Sealine was incredibly optimistic about the new system. "In the big picture I think that this will be a service we will continue to offer to first year students."
As optimistic the housing office is about the new service, many returning students have doubts of its success. Many recall their first moment meeting their new roommate. "You're supposed to have that awkward moment with your roommate" said senior Juleta Newkirk
"College is about going out of your comfort zone. You need to be uncomfortable in order to grow," said sophomore Abby McGreehan.
Another potential problem upperclassmen see with roommate selection is the possible lack of diversity in living arrangements. "I think that choosing where you live decreases the amount of new people that you meet. And college is all about meeting new people and making new friendships," said McGreehan.
Many upperclassmen worry that there will be more tension between roommates as the year progresses. Since many roommates choose each other after scouting each other out by the forums and Facebook they might come to realize that their roommate who claimed they were ready to come here and have a good time might end up not being that much fun to live with.
Another concern held by upperclassmen is the strength of the residential colleges. Before this year, the only selection incoming students had on their living arrangements had been to choose their preferred residential college. Residence Life is now down to three themed colleges – Cedar (Exploring the Arts), Juniper (Multiculturalism and Our World), and Mistletoe (Leadership Through Service).
Many incoming students seem to have disregarded the theme of the residential colleges. "I picked my room because it looked bigger...it was near the lounge," said first-year Samer Fakhran.
Some, like first year Seok Park, said that they did not even take roommates into account. "I just picked a room and he [Park's roommate] came up."
Several other students have seemed surprised by their residential college placements, many not sure how they got there. Such confusion concerns returning students who hold their residential college experience dear; but many are hopeful that the new students will continue to keep the colleges strong.
Despite the hesitation of returning students, there appear to be many satisfied students. "I think it was pretty good" said first year Jimmy Li. "I got to pick my own room…I got to choose whatever was open". With that, Sealine's goal, to give students more options, has been accomplished.
