UB Chronicle

The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University

April 2025 Volume 4 Issue 8

What I Wish I Would Have Known: Handling Roommate Conflicts

Taken from: Winds of Change

Introduction

If you're like many students, college will bring your first experience of sharing your living space with someone other than family. You may be wondering how to find college roommates and how to enjoy living together when you find them. This new experience can be both fun and challenging.

The Benefits and the Challenges

Here are some of the things you can expect:

Company: Your roommate is new to college too, so you can learn how to navigate campus life together.
Support: It's nice to have someone who can help with studying, encourage your interests, or bring you soup when you're sick.
New perspectives: Your roommate might introduce you to a different culture or new points of view.
Shared activities and interests: You may have a roommate who likes to do the same things that you do.
Lack of privacy: You may not have the privacy you're used to and may have to seek out places like the library or coffee shop to get it.
Lifestyle differences: If your roommate's habits, personality, or schedule are very different from yours, it can be hard to adjust to living together.

Strategies for Success

Communicating often and openly is essential for any successful relationship. If you need help discussing something with your roommate, take advantage of the resources your college provides. Talking to your resident adviser (RA) is a good starting point. Here are some tips for maintaining a good relationship with your roommate:

Communicate expectations

The most important step to a good solid relationship with a roommate is to have clear communication. This is easier said than done, but experts suggest beginning the relationship with your roommate like a business transaction with an agreed list of expectations. Many resident assistants (RAs) encourage and require roommates to make a contract that clearly defines the expectations of the room (see "On Topic" below). Start communicating before you even arrive on campus, whether it's in person or virtually. Building the relationship with your roommate will benefit you both.

Be prepared to compromise

Compromising is crucial to a positive relationship with a roommate. Perhaps you discuss and designate specific tasks to keep your room tidy, including cleaning certain areas, or simply keeping your side of the room neat. Creating a chore chart can help ensure that both roommates are pulling their weight. There is also a need for personal compromise. Be conscious of any cultural and social differences between you and your roommate. For example, you may be outgoing, while your roommate is more reserved. Ask if it’s OK to bring friends over. Remember to keep an open mind and remain respectful.

Show courtesy

If you behave politely to your roommate, your roommate is likely to follow your lead. Wish your roommate luck on an exam. Ask if you can pick up something while you're running errands.

Living harmoniously with someone requires communicating, compromising, and respecting differences. Learning these life skills may be the most valuable lessons you'll learn outside the classroom. As Jessica, a college sophomore, puts it, sharing a space can make you "a new and more open person, and you learn about yourself in the process."

Get to know your schedules

Once you’re on campus, familiarize yourself with your roommate’s schedule, including classes, jobs, research, and other obligations throughout the week. Familiarity of each other's schedule will lead to less confusion about when the other needs privacy or quiet time to work in your room as well as determining good times to hang out together.

Deal with issues as they come

It’s pretty rare that any two (or more) people get along perfectly while living in close quarters. So when an inevitable issue comes up, it's important to address it. Don’t wait for little things to become large issues to deal with them. If something is bothering you or making you uncomfortable, speak up in the moment. When you raise the issue in a respectful manner, more times than not, your roommate will adjust their behavior.

Use your resources

The common thread of all of this advice is respect and setting expectations. If you and your roommate can do that effectively, you will succeed. Remember, there are plenty of resources for students if things don’t go well. Reach out to your RA if an issue becomes too large to deal with on your own. They are trained and ready to help, so don’t be afraid to talk to them.

Conclusion

College is a time of great growth and change, and having a good relationship with your roommate will make the entire experience better! Nothing is perfect, but these are five tips will help you make the most of living with a roommate.

It is important to check your UB email at least 2-3 per week to ensure you don't miss out on any important information, sign-ups, etc. If you need your password reset, please contact your UB Counselor for assistance.

We're Recruiting!!

The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are currently accepting new student applications.

9th, 10th, or 11th grade students at the following high schools: Bath, Bracken, Boyd, East Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Harrison, Johnson Central, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Paul Blazer, Robertson, Rowan, and West Carter High Schools, are eligible to apply.

Students can submit the Online Application through our recruitment site at join.moreheadub.org or students can obtain a paper application by visiting our website or their high school guidance counselor for assistance.

UB/UBMS Eligibility Requirements

Submit the online and/or paper application with required documentation

a. Guidance Recommendation Form

b. Two Teacher Recommendation Forms

c. 2024 Taxable Income Information (IRS 1040) with Signature

Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Be first-generation, meet federal income requirements, and/or academic risk
Be College Bound
Students accepted into Upward Bound Math Science (UBMS) must show a strong interest in obtaining a STEM related college degree.

SUMMER 2025 PREVIEW #2

What is Non-Res Week?

June 2nd-June 6th All UB/UBMS Students who are participating in the 2025 Summer Academy will complete activities on Google Classroom before the start of the Summer (June 8th). Rising Juniors (Class of 2027) will participate in a LIVE ACT Workshop this week as well. June 4th you will come on campus for the day (10am-3pm) for Pre-Move In Orientation, where you will get to tour campus, meet your RA, tour your Residence Halls, and much more!

Overwhelmed? How To Cope With Decision Fatigue

Taken from henryford.com

Decision fatigue occurs when decision making becomes increasingly difficult, leading to mental and emotional strain. And it can happen more often than you might think. The average person makes more than 35,000 decisions each day, and each decision—no matter how small—requires time and energy.)

What are symptoms of decision fatigue?

With the stress of decision fatigue comes symptoms such as tiredness and brain fog. You might find yourself engaging in behaviors such as:

Procrastination—purposely not making a decision.
Avoidance—engaging in distraction behaviors like impulse buying or binge eating.
Indecision—constantly wavering back and forth on a decision.
Being impulsive—quickly making a decision that you didn’t think through, and one that you’re not comfortable with.

So, what can we do about decision fatigue?

Eliminate as many small decisions as you can to save your energy for big decisions. Here are some tips:

Pick out your clothes the night before. This way you don’t use all of your energy before the day gets started.
Reserve the morning for the most important decisions. In the morning, you’re refreshed and energized. If you need to make a difficult decision, do so when you’ve had your breakfast and your head is clear.
Don’t make decisions that you don’t have to—delegate. If it is group project, try to divvy up who decides about different tasks.
Create daily routines. It might sound boring, but try sticking to the same breakfast each morning. Get up at the same time, exercise at the same time. Creating routines will allow you to move throughout your day without making a decision about everything that you do.
And finally, don’t be so hard on yourself. Give yourself grace. One of the best things we can do is give ourselves—and others—the benefit of the doubt. We’re doing the best we can, and we can’t ask for much more.

Helping Your Student Deal with Homesickness

As the Summer Academy approaches many students are eagerly preparing for the exciting adventure of the Upward Bound Summer Academy. While this time promises of new friendships, educational advancement, and unforgettable memories, it can also stir up feelings of homesickness in some students.

As a parent/guardian it’s natural to feel concerned how your student will cope with being away from home. Below are some tips to help both you and your student navigate and hopefully conquer homesickness during their time at the Summer Academy.

Encourage Open Communication:
Before your student heads off to Upward Bound, have an open and honest conversation about their feelings and concerns. Let them know that it's normal to feel homesick and reassure them that it's okay to talk about it. Encourage them to express their emotions and listen attentively without judgment.

Familiarize Them with the Summer Academy Environment:
Help ease your student's anxiety by familiarizing them with the campus environment before they leave. We hold a Pre-Move In Orientation for students the week before move in to help alleviate the anxiety and stress of living on campus. They get their schedule, do campus tours, meet their roommates, We point out key areas such as the dining hall, residence halls, and classroom buildings, so they feel more comfortable and know what to expect.

Pack Comfort Items:
Include comforting items from home in your student's packing list, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a cozy blanket, or family photos. Having familiar objects nearby can provide a sense of security and comfort during moments of homesickness.

Practice Independence
Encourage your student to practice independence in the weeks leading up to camp by spending time away from home, whether it's a sleepover at a friend's house or a weekend trip with relatives. This will help build their confidence in being away from home and foster a sense of self-reliance.

Stay Positive and Supportive:
Remain positive and supportive throughout the Summer Academy experience. Send encouraging letters or care packages filled with love and reminders of home. Avoid discussing how much you miss them, as this can exacerbate feelings of homesickness. Instead, focus on uplifting messages and excitement for their adventures. Homesickness can lead to potential headaches, stomachaches, loss of appetite, crying, feeling lonely. This is normal. Remind them they will come home every Thursday.

Establish a Communication Plan:
Work with your student to establish a communication plan that works for both of you. Whether it's writing letters, scheduling phone calls, or using email, having regular contact can provide reassurance and connection while they're away.

Encourage Engagement and Participation:

Encourage your student to engage fully in Summer Academy activities and make new friends. Immersing themselves in the educational experience can help distract them from feelings of homesickness and foster a sense of belonging.

Seek Support from Upward Bound Staff:

Remind your student that Resident Advisors and Upward Bound staff are there to support them. Encourage them to reach out if they're feeling overwhelmed or homesick. Knowing that there are caring adults available can provide additional comfort and reassurance.

Focus on the Positive:

Help your student shift their focus from what they're missing at home to the exciting experiences and opportunities that the Summer Academy has to offer. Encourage them to keep a journal or scrapbook to document their adventures and accomplishments.

Be Prepared for Setbacks:

Finally, be prepared for setbacks and moments of homesickness. Reassure your student that it's normal to have ups and downs and remind them of the coping strategies they can use to overcome their feelings.

How We Handle Homesickness

We educate and train our staff to detect early signs of homesickness by presenting the different ways students miss home. The staff are trained on the skills needed to empathetically guide students with homesickness by routinely going through specific scenarios and role playing. Our staff is here to support your student through their homesickness and help them be happy and thrive during the Summer Academy.

If your student is having a persistent difficulty adjusting (crying frequently, not eating, not able to interact with others, trouble sleeping), we will contact you to share the situation and collaboratively make a plan moving forward to address their adjustment. In most cases, these symptoms of homesickness go away quickly with the distraction of fun activities, friends, and support from staff members. However, if any behavior of concern arises, we will be sure to contact you.

Needing to contact your UB Counselor?

Ashley Cooper (Associate Director UB Central)

Schools Served: Elliott, Morgan, and Magoffin

Brandon Isaac (Associate Director UBMS North)

Schools Served: Mason, Menifee, and Rowan

Gabby Johnson (Associate Director UBMS South)

Schools Served: Boyd, Paul Blazer, and Robertson

Gabe Markwell (Associate Director UB East)

Schools Served: Bracken, Lawrence, and Johnson

Trey Napier (Academic Bridge Coordinator)

Schools Served: Fleming, Lewis, East Carter, West Carter

Cheyenne Wilson (Academic Coordinator)

Schools Served: Bath, Harrison, Montgomery and Nicholas

Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Morehead State University.

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