You never get a second chance to make a good first impression" takes on a whole new meaning when you move into a room, suite, or apartment to begin sharing and governing the same physical space with someone. Whether rooming with a new person or your best friend, you are likely to realize a "second impression" of this person that is distinctly different from your first one.
Opening Day is filled with excitement, anticipation, anxiety, separation-a gamut of emotions as plentiful as the people arriving to move in and transform unadorned lodgings to a "home away from home" for the next nine months. Predictably, like any action video you enjoy, there are portions of move-in day that you would like to play again and again, and then there are portions you would just as soon erase.
Whether you are rooming with a best friend or are meeting someone new, recognize that the first impression of this person might be followed consistently with the same one, but more than likely you will make several unique observations about this person that will add to or take away from your first impression. Whether your roommate's first utterance is "Where's the party?," "This is my side of the room!" or, "This is going to be so much fun!" you will have a chance to develop a second impression of this person as your roommate. Hopefully, this second impression will serve to be meaningful, supportive, and positive!
Mainly, you will learn the true meaning of the word compromise. A Roommate Communication Worksheet might help stimulate discussions. Don't think just because you are rooming with a friend you won't need to negotiate various issues. Most people have distinctly different tolerance levels in many areas. You will benefit by discussing these differences before they become problems or major issues that might complicate your friendship.
No, you won't have a second chance to make a first impression, but, communication is the way to edit and refine the impression you hope to make and keep.