I’m going to be a freshman this fall and I’m going to reside in the men’s dorms. I am FtM, am taking testosterone (prescribed of course) and have had a top surgery. When would be a good time to tell my roommate I’m transgender? should I tell him before I get to campus or when I first meet him? I feel like I should tell him just so that he is aware, but I’m also very nervous. Any advice would be great!
Interesting question! A kind of casual way to bring it up might be in a getting-to-know-you-fact-exchange format. E.g. I’m a light sleeper, I love burritos, my celebrity crush is Emma Watson, my favorite color is yellow and I’m transgender- female to male.
Let them know that you’re cool with questions (if you are)!
And remember, you don’t have to bring it up at all if you don’t want to. You’re a guy living in the guys dorms!
Best of luck-I hope this thread helps you figure it out 
@newkidnewtrix 's lighthearted method would work at some schools, with some kids, but not all. I think it’s important to feel out your roommate before disclosing. Good luck and I hope it goes well!
Disclose now. While you are comfortable being transgender you must accept that there are some people who may not be comfortable living with a transgender individual. We aren’t talking about sharing a meal or sitting in a class together but living together. It is respectful to respect your future roommate(s) and share what you’ve shared with us. Just as you have the right to be transgender, others have the right to choose not to live with a transgender person. You have a greater chance of setting your living situation up for success if you share now.
Although I don’t complete agree with @empireapple it might be good to disclose now so you don’t end up with a disgusting bigot as a roommate.
disclose now.
It looks like you’re going to UCSB. Have you requested a gender inclusive housing option? You don’t have to of course but it might help you find a community in your first year.
http://www.housing.ucsb.edu/are-gender-inclusive-housing-options-available
Does the university not know you’re transitioning? I would think they’d be helping to make sure there’s an appropriate roommate fit.
@Otterma I did look into the inclusive housing, but I prefer to live in another residence hall that’s more social and it also is a suite type of dorm w/ a private bathroom.
Thank you all for the advice, I haven’t received roommate assignments yet, but once I do I think it is best to let my roommate(s) know
You don’t have to disclose at all. You’re male. Your roommate has no right to know what genitalia you have.
But I understand why you would want to just to make sure if your roommate has a problem with it… no point in living with a person who cares about what’s between your legs. If you do disclose, I’d do it asap so the university can move him earlier rather than later.