When you’ve outgrown ‘get to know you’ games and ice-breaker jokes are no longer a thing, what do you do when you meet your new dormies? Ask them these five questions:
- What’s your name, where are you from, what are you studying?
Open with these general questions to learn the fundamentals about your dormies. You might even find that you’ve come from the same area or are studying the same course. These questions could be the start of something new!
Tip: try not to forget their name! - What do you like to do in your spare time or at the weekend e.g. interests or hobbies?
This generic question works well to break the ice and find more common ground. It is also a handy way to encourage each other to join clubs and get involved around uni. You could also suggest making plans to study together or have a dorm event! - What are your pet peeves?
Surprisingly, complaints are an effective way of relating and connecting with others. Ask this question to learn what your dorm mates may not like and keep it in mind to avoid conflict. This question shows you care and are interested in getting to know the person, and makes for a good laugh together. - What are your future goals?
By the time you reach this question you have probably got to know the surface of your new friends, so now you can go deeper. Asking about post-graduation plans and future aspirations sparks insightful and interesting conversation. - Is there anything you want to know about me?
Don’t forget to offer information about yourself. Any relationship goes two ways, and if your dormies have opened up to you, they’d appreciate the same in return.
Learn about each other as much as you can in the first few weeks to make living together comfortable and fun for the rest of the year. Even if you don’t become best friends, check up on each other occasionally, because at uni, any support means a lot.
