I know that there are like a ton of uni-threads here and I'm sorry about opening another one, but this has really been bugging me.
I'm leaving for university on sunday (uni here starts october 1st) and I will have to share my room with another girl.
thing is, I have never shared my room with anyone my whole life. when we were on holidays, I could never sleep when there was somebody else in the room. I also cannot sleep when I am sleeping over at a friend's house.
I wake up because of the smallest noise. I get scared and I don't know. it's weird. I just can't sleep.
so I know I have to deal with the situation for now and that there is no other option, because I REALLY need to get away, so I was just wondering if anyone has ever been in the same situation and has any suggestions for me?
I cannot go home because the ride to uni is like 7 hours by train, so I will have to stay there on weekends.
also, I am afraid that at night when I am asleep, my sleeves will slip up and she will see what I am doing.
I am also not sure whether I should be open - like, put my medication in the bathroom for her to see or just hide it. it's really difficult for me, because I'm actually going away so I won't have to hide everything anymore, but I don't want to shock her or anything.
I've never shared a room with anyone, but I would imagine that if I did, I wouldn't be able to sleep either.
My first suggestion would be to wear ear plugs at night if you wake up at noises. You could always mention to your roomate that you're a bit apprehensive about sharing a room with someone, and she might feel the same way too.
As for your sleeves riding up at night, I seriously doubt your roomate will be awake and staring at your arms all night. She'll be asleep and so wont notice if that happens. However, you can buy some sweat bands and put them over your sleeves to stop them riding up, I've done that before.
I'm sure you'll be fine though =] You'll just have to get used to sharing a room, but once you settle in then you'll feel comfortable with it all.
Isn’t it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back, everything is different…
you once called your brain a hard drive, well say hello to the virus.
Another thing to remember is that you can speak with the Accommodation Office, and ask to go on a priority list for a single room - people leave, move, pretty regularly in the first term, which leaves their rooms available.
Especially if you have real valid health reasons - anxiety, insomnia etc, for needing your own space, the acc. office should be able to help.
Katie is right - you do have real reasons for being unable to share a room, so quite possibly you'd be able to get your own room at some point if you speak to the accommodation people about it. We had to list any disabilities and such that meant we couldn't share a room and mental health difficulties and the like do count. Especially if anxiety and insomnia is going to be affecting your studies, which it doubtless would. So seriously, talk to them, you might not end up having to share for long.
But that said, I've also just moved into a shared uni room, and I've never shared before either - and really, it's nothing like as bad as you think it's going to be. What is it that scares you about someone else being there? I know it's easier said than done, but try to rationalise it, remind yourself that nothing bad is going to happen. Ear plugs are a good idea if noises wake you up - or sometimes I find listening to music (if you have an mp3 player or something) can help you relax. It's okay to be worried about it, I'm sure your room mate will understand.
Like control freak said, I don't think that they'll really notice your arms, since they're not going to be staring at you when you're sleeping. Plus, it'll be dark when you're asleep so it won't be that noticeable. But you can always take extra steps for trying to keep your arms covered. People tend to be less shockable than you think, anyway. For me, I found it easier to just be open about everything, in terms of not wearing short sleeves and hiding my scars and everything, even though it's a bit scary being around new people. But honestly, no one has said anything or treated me any differently - so actually, I really do think most people are pretty good about this stuff. If it would be easier for you not to have to hide your medication and stuff, then that's perfectly okay. But don't feel like you have to, or like you have to be open about everything right away. It's really just whatever makes you must comfortable and causes you the least stress. Maybe just wait and see what your roommate is like and how you get along with her, and then decide how you're going to handle the situation?
Also try to remember that there are positives about having to share a room - it's someone to talk to and go out with and everything when you arrive, so it's pretty hard to just get left on your own. And I'm sure if it's a shared room it'll be pretty big so you will have your own space.
Take care of yourself, and good luck! I'm sure you'll have a great time once you get there. I'm here if you need to talk, or need some reassurance or anything. xo
You've had some good tips there and as you mentioned, it's a time for you to be yourself and not hvae to hide anything. You may find that they have been through something similar, you may find that they are accepting of you anyway.
Write back and let us know how things are going for you though?
Take care and good luck,
Chloe x
We don't get given patience but the opportunity to be patient.
Courage isn't handed to us, but we are given opportunities to be courageous.
maybe get some foam earplugs, you can hardly feel them and they completely block out noise. im sure you will soon get used to being around another person.
as for how much to tell her, get to know her a bit first. find out how trustworthy she is etc. also you may freak her out a bit if you spring it on her straight away as im sure shes also apprehensive about uni.
try not to worry as if your too private and weird acting she may think your being snobby and pushing her out.
it probaly wouldnt be a good idea to leave medication to be lying around anyway.
