5 Ways to Connect With Your Roommate Before Move-In Day

Starting college at RIT is a big step, and sharing a room with someone new is part of the adventure! While it can feel overwhelming at first, connecting with your roommate before moving in can make your transition to college life much smoother. You don’t have to be best friends right away (or ever!) but starting with a few friendly conversations can help you both feel more at ease.

Here are five low-pressure ways to get to know your roommate before you arrive on campus:

1. Send a Friendly Intro Message

Once you get your roommate’s info on the RIT MyLife portal, shoot them a quick message, text, email, or DM if you find them on social media. Keep it simple: share your name, where you’re from, and maybe one or two interests of yours. It doesn’t have to be super deep, just something to break the ice!

2. Follow Each Other on Social Media

Following each other on Instagram, TikTok, and ZeeMee is an easy way to get a feel for your roommate’s personality. It also gives you more to talk about and might help you discover shared interests (like music, shows, or hobbies).

3. Talk About the Room Setup

Start chatting about the basics, who’s bringing what, how you might arrange the furniture, and what kind of vibe you want the space to have. Even talking about color schemes or mini-fridge plans helps you feel like a team before you even arrive.

4. Set Some Early Expectations

It might feel too soon, but talking about schedules, cleaning habits, and guest preferences ahead of time can save a lot of time later. You don’t need a roommate contract, just a casual conversation about what kind of living space you each need to feel comfortable.

5. Keep It Chill

Don’t worry if you’re not texting every day or instantly clicking. Everyone’s navigating a lot of emotions before college. You’ve got plenty of time to build your relationship once you’re on campus. Just being open and respectful goes a long way!

Overall, you don’t need to be soulmates with your roommate. But starting off on friendly terms can definitely make move-in less stressful. A quick message now can lead to a much smoother first week and maybe even a great friendship down the line.