Was I wrong to request a roommate swap before I meet the guy?

Question

I am moving to a college apartment complex, and I have to a new roommate who was selected at random. I received a call from my "new roommate" that was odd to say the least. He never stated his name, mentioned the apartment complex and my unit number a few times, overall he was incoherent, asked me several times if I "smoke" or drink... and a bunch of other random inquiries and statements. I called the office and informed them of this and let them know that the living situation was not going to work out. I am just trying to avoid any future issues. Was I wrong to call the office to request a change of roommates, even before I met the guy? I have not heard from the office yet, the manager says she will contact me in the next few days. I signed the lease a few months ago - but what should I do if they cannot switch me to a new unit. I'm not trying to live in that type of environment.

Answer 1

I don't think you were wrong. You were afraid & put your guards up. The guy probably is VERY shy& nervous, & doesn't know how to spark up a good conversation.

Answer 2

nah, you're not wrong, you just seem like a square.

Answer 3

No you were not wrong. It sounds like he was very rude. I'm in college as well and would do the same thing but luckily haven't came across that problem because me and my best friend are always roommates.

Answer 4

I don't neccessarily think you were wrong, but look at it from the other guy's perspective. He could have been warmer about it but he does have a right to know what kind of room mate he'll be dealing with so like you, he could make the necessary swap if you two weren't compatible. Not very many people want to live with a smoker or a partier, so you have to respect the guy asking. Sure you don't want your room mate to be your parent or butt into your personal life, but if your room mate had a lifestyle that interfered with your own, you'd want to know asap and get out of that situation, which it seems you have. If they can't switch you, sit down and have a talk with the guy as to what you both expect from each other. Clear the air from the start.

Answer 5

I think you did the right thing.  If you feel weird about this situation, you need to do what is best for you.  You're right to be weary, as living with other people is difficult at best, and by taking this extra step to find a suitable roommate, you're not only saving yourself future hassles, but him as well. They'll be able to switch you guys, and no one will be hurt.  Have fun at school!

Answer 6

Usually you fill out a questionnaire with your rental application that helps match room mates to college kids with similar habits.  Study habits, hours you keep, drinking, smoking and party habits are common questions to make sure they give you a similar match.  It is also common for them to give people the names/numbers of other room mates so they introduce themselves and make sure you've got the basics covered for the apartment (who needs 4 complete sets of dishes and pots and pans).

The guy giving you a call a couple of weeks before move in is not at all strange, but if he gave you an odd first impression . . . than nows the time to speak up.  Believe me everyone has an odd college room mate somewhere down the line, and the old saying is . . . if you didn't have one, maybe your the odd one!

Answer 7

If your gut instinct was that there was something not quite right about this guy then you did the right thing.