<p>Considering how many strangers are thrown together as room mates in colleges, it is wonderful how many great friendships are formed. My S & his friends all have good relationships with their room mates & are contemplating whether to keep them next year when they apply for new housing. I think it has been helpful to all of them to enlarge their social circle by meeting new folks that were assigned as room mates.</p>
<p>I don’t believe thieves are all that common in dorms, fortunately. I wasn’t aware of any such issues when I was a student way back in the 70s/80s & my S hasn’t mentioned any particular problems in his year at the dorm. In ways, I think living in college housing does prepare our kids somewhat for life beyond college, including the pros & cons of having a stranger as a room mate.</p>