We asked Lizzie, (Psychology major from Wayland MA), her roommate, Bethany (Political Science major from Hooksett, NH) and their friend, Katie (Communications major from Berlin, NH) about their experience getting ready to move up to UNH for their freshman year.

Bethany and Lizzie were randomly placed together as roommates. Talking to them recently in their room in Christensen Hall, you would never know that they didn't know each other before they arrived at UNH. "We got along right away," offers Bethany. "Everyone thought we knew each other before we got here since we were so close right away. When I got Lizzie's name and phone number in the summer, I called and we talked on the phone two or three times and emailed each other a few times. Lizzie brought the stereo and the TV, and I brought the refrigerator and the VCR. She also brought a big garbage can plus a broom and a dustpan, which was great because I hadn't thought of those things."

While they tried to think of everything, they did forget a few crucial items. According to Lizzie, a fan and a Brita water filter are must-have items. "You don't realize how hot it can be here the first month of school. We also brought a large square rug for the floor, but once we got here we realized that our room is this strange shape, so we had to send it home. Instead we bought a few scatter rugs which worked out just fine."

While we are talking, Bethany leans over to show off the cinder blocks that hold up the bed. "By having the bed on these blocks, I gained a lot of storage space for boxes of clothes, sweaters, and other miscellaneous stuff."

Their friend Katie from down the hall had another solution to the limited space. "I bought a loft from someone around here who makes them for students. I recommend waiting until you get here so you will know the exact dimensions. Also, if you wait a few weeks, they drop the prices. My roommate and I have a bedroom area on the loft-side of the room and a futon couch on the livingroom-side of the room."

Lizzie and Bethany had some additional advice for incoming freshmen. "Don't be freaked out by all the crazy roommate stories," Lizzie advises. "People only tell you the really bad situations, but you never hear about all the times that it works out just great."

Bethany adds, "I was worried that I would be lost at the beginning. But, you do everything with your roommate or the other people on your floor during the first few weeks. I also thought it would be hard to find something to do on the weekends since I don't drink, but there are all sorts of activities planned - especially the first few weeks."

Lizzie chimes in, "Being in an all-freshman hall was great. Everyone is new to campus, so you can meet tons of people by just walking down the hall. We always have someone in here making popcorn."

...it's a good thing Bethany brought that microwave.