Are room dividers rude?

Post Reply New Topic

I will begin college this fall and am not looking forward to rooming with someone. I value my privacy above all else and I won't have that in a dorm setting. The only solution that I see to this problem is to buy room dividers and put them up at the half way mark of the room. I don't want to seem rude to my roomie, but I want them to understand that I want to be alone. Would you consider this rude? How could I explain it?

I have been thinking about college dorms for a while now, and the prospect scares me. White walls. White floors! So much white! I am also afraid that I will be roomed with someone who will throw parties...since I am going to attend the states largest party school. What do I do if I don't want to be involved in a party, or if I really dislike my room mate in general?


Sorry for so many questions...I am king of panicky.

About the partying, many schools have "quiet dorms" or "study dorms" for students like you who want peace and quiet. I would suggest that you raise *all* of these issues with someone at the school (whoever works with incoming freshmen). They might have some accommodations. Good luck - I can imagine how stressful this must be.

I would suggest trying to get into the quiet dorms or the alcohol free dorms.

As for dividers, I've seen a few people have them.

As for parties, you can't stop your room mate from having people over, but you could ask to set up some rules.

If you don't get along, you can request a change.

I'd suggest getting a single if possible. You might be able to get an accomidation to be get a single. That will probably work best. As for room dividers, it could be seen as rude but you need to discuss with your roommate if they mind. As for parties and other things, make sure you discuss openly about these issues and establish rules for the room.

I would fully expect that your roommate would consider it rude...and saying that it's because you want to be alone won't help at all. Room dividers only work if it's a mutual decision.

Your best bet is to follow Ai_Ling's suggestion. If you want to be alone, don't get a double room. I remember that I had the same concern when I was starting university - hence, part of the reason I chose the school I did is because all the rooms are single bedrooms with a shared bathroom for every pair of rooms. A much better situation - still technically had a roommate, but had my own space.

Honestly, from the sounds of your situation, and especially given that you're going to a known party school, I say avoid a double room at all costs. Even if you have to get a room off campus to find one, and even if this is a little more expensive or less convenient, do it. If you want to be alone and value privacy, a double room is not a good idea.

Keep in mind, without accommodations, it may be impossible to get a single.

Where I went to school, singles were reserved for seniors and even then it was very hard to get one.