My Roommate Experience
HSU alumna Melissa Hoodlet (‘06) recently wrote in with a story about how her roommate helped make her Humboldt State experience better. She shares tips on how to be a welcoming roommate, so read on for Melissa’s story.
Dear HSU,
Good day! I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share a photo (and short story).
The top photo was taken in August/September of 2005 in The Manor (a former residence hall on campus near the Student and Business Services building). The person on the left (wearing the t-shirt) is Jami Shapiro (now Jami Wardman) and the person to the right (wearing the sweatshirt) is me, Melissa Hoodlet.
Jami and I were roommates in Maple Hall our freshman year (2002). I became a Living Group Advisor and had my own room sophomore and junior year and then in our senior year (2005-2006) we lived together again in The Manor apartments. Jami and I built the futon that we're sitting on.
Jami was the best roommate anyone could ever ask for, she helped to make my freshmen year a smooth transition for me. Jami was there when I was homesick, listened when I had a concern, made me laugh when classes became stressful, let me cry on her shoulder when I was going through tough times; overall I know in my heart that Jami contributed to the positive experience I had at Humboldt State University.
Jami came to visit me at my house in New York before she was about to move to Madrid, Spain. We took the photo (on the bottom) June 2016--11 years later and yes I still have the futon! We're still very good friends. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding and we've had many late night conversations when life has been tough on each of us. I am one of the luckiest people in the world to have had such an amazing roommate and I thank her for always being there as a wonderful friend and roommate for life.
If I were to give advice to a new student coming in and living in the residence halls I would say be kind, understanding, open minded, caring, sharing, and accessible to your roommate. Living with another person you've never met before isn't easy but if you communicate, listen, and try to understand one another this person can become a lifelong friend who will always be there for you for the rest of your life.
Melissa Hoodlet
Class of 2006
Melissa shares some great advice, but it doesn’t stop there. HSU’s Housing & Residence Life has plenty of resources to help students enjoy the time with their roommates. From online tips to help your student get along with his or her roommate, to the roommate and off-campus listing board on 2nd floor of the Jolly Giant Commons, Housing staff is there to help.
Packing Up and Heading to Humboldt
Move-in day for the residence halls begins Saturday, August 16 this year. Volunteers from across campus will be lending a hand and welcoming new students and parents to campus. For more information, visit the HSU Housing website.
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