College is a rare place because students often live with strangers, possibly only sharing the goal of not flunking out. Since Penn State does not issue surveys to match up roommates, any situation could result.

Unlike some other universities, Penn State has never used rooming surveys because of statistics indicating they aren't necessary, DuBois said.

"We've looked at studies," DuBois
said. "Roommates don't actually have
a better percentage with housing surveys."

Penn State's large size also influenced the university not to use surveys. Small schools can easily distribute questionnaires, but most Big Ten schools do not, DuBois said.

"As more processes are going online, mid-to-large schools are starting to incorporate some roommate questions; that's where our opportunity will be," DuBois said.

Currently, computers do rooming arrangements, said Lynn DuBois, associate director of housing. Often matches are made depending on the order applications are received and similarity of students' majors.

Upperclassmen are matched with a roommate based on different criteria -- including preferred dorm area and semester standing, DuBois added.

Some students fair well under this system.

Nicole Bishara (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) and Katie Koehler (freshman-kinesiology) said they were pleased to be roommates, as they have never fought and hang out every day, Bishara said. Both agreed they were lucky but believe surveys would be beneficial, Koehler said.

However, other students said they were not so fortunate.

Jessica Rowland's (sophomore-education) first roommate made her uncomfortable by walking around the room naked and stealing her belongings. Rowland said she thinks Penn State should have surveys addressing roommates' attitudes toward substance abuse.

"I came in one night, and some girl
was passed out in my bed," Rowland
said.

Rowland said she coped by getting involved with activities that forced her to spend time outside of her residence hall room.

To avoid encountering problems, DuBois suggested setting down ground rules.

"Right in the beginning, sit down and talk about expectations," DuBois said. "Ask about study times and guests."

If roommates can't work out their problems, they can switch rooms.

Katherine Krinks, a housing assignment office manager, said 300 to 400 students switch roommates per year.

Michele Burgess (freshman-art) had to switch roommates three weeks into the summer session, she said.

"My roommate and I got along totally fine in the beginning," Burgess said. "One night she came in totally wasted. I didn't know how to handle her."

Burgess switched to a room down the hall. It only took 3 to 4 days, she said.

"It was actually easier then I though it would be," Burgess added.

Women switch roommates more often than men because women care about supplementary housing aspects, DuBois said.

David Gelpi (freshman-health and human development) and his incompatible roommate toughed out this summer by pulling pranks on each other, he said.

"Guys won't switch roommates, but they'll give them a really hard time," Gelpi said.

Some women said they could see why they would switch roommates more often.

"Guys fight openly," Rowland said. "With me and my roommate, I never say anything, and it just goes."

For students uncomfortable with the matching system, there are other options. Students can room with a friend, DuBois said.

Rooming with a friend does not guarantee success, though, as conflicts can still occur.

"If they are a freshman, sometimes they have a friend from home, but they don't have an idea of living with them," DuBois said.

However, some students meet compatible roommates at Penn State, and both can fill out a request for direct room exchange, DuBois added.

Other options for students worried about roommate relations include Lifehouse, a substance-free living option, and Eastview Terrace, which offers single rooms next to South Halls that open next fall, Burgess said.