I'm planning on living on residence but I still have some doubts which is why I haven't filled out the form yet and I have like a day to do it. This is probably a stupid question but is it easier to make friends if you live on campus? I need to know because I'm shy and I don't make friends easily. What style of residence is better? I'm scared that I'll get a roomate that I don't get along with. When you apply for residence is it first come first serve?

A lot of people say that if you live on campus compared to off campus or commuting you make your 'social network' of friends at McMaster really quickly.

Originally Posted by princesskv30

I'm planning on living on residence but I still have some doubts which is why I haven't filled out the form yet and I have like a day to do it. This is probably a stupid question but is it easier to make friends if you live on campus? I need to know because I'm shy and I don't make friends easily. What style of residence is better? I'm scared that I'll get a roomate that I don't get along with. When you apply for residence is it first come first serve?

Easier yes, it takes less effort. But that doesn't mean you can't make friends if you live off campus or at home. There are tons of clubs and intramural sports, and don't forget classes (although I don't like talking to people during class time but labs and tutorials are easier settings to make friends).

If you are shy, then living on residence is probably best. I'm also pretty shy and I don't think I would have made as many friends if I lived off campus/at home. It's just that much harder to get involved in extra-curriculars if you are shy.

Sometimes you might not get along with your roommate(s) but both of you should learn how to get along. Respect is a pretty big factor in getting along. Style of residence depends on you. Suite and Apartment can seem lonely at times, even singles if they have their own washrooms. You can find yourself locked away in your room most of the time.

It's lottery based, but the waiting list is on a first come first serve basis. The fact that you are applying so late will probably mean you will be put on the waiting list... which is probably really long and you most likely won't get residence (Hence my advice on how to make friends from off-campus/at home above).

^As long as the TC has a 79% average or more then he is guaranteed residence as long as he puts in the deposit by 4 pm EST tomorrow.

I couldn't make a group of friends with the people living in the residence I stayed at, Bates to be precise. I got along with my roommates but we never hanged out. Just had dinner one day very early in the year. We did talk here and there about our courses, but that was it.

The people I became functional with were actually primarily due to a cultural club I joined.

I think it comes down to you, the person trying to make friends. You're going to have to make an effort to introduce yourself and get to know other people.

I suggest a double room or triple room and that makes it easier to get to know your roommates. And maybe they can introduce you to their friends, and TA DA, a group of friends. I lived in Bates and it was easy to isolate myself in my own room to study and what not. If you're worried about not getting along, there are CAs (community advisors) in residence. They manage these things and try to sort out a solution. In extreme cases one of you might be moved to get their own room.

Applying to residence is not first come first serve. It's based on a lottery.

I'm guaranteed a spot in residence, does that still mean I'll be put on the waiting list?

Originally Posted by princesskv30

I'm guaranteed a spot in residence, does that still mean I'll be put on the waiting list?

Nope. If you've paid your deposit on time and were given guaranteed, it's going to stay that way. I believe you're filling out preferences right now.

Originally Posted by Silver

^As long as the TC has a 79% average or more then he is guaranteed residence as long as he puts in the deposit by 4 pm EST tomorrow.

Been a while, totally forgot that application deadline was the same as guaranteed residence application deadline. For some reason I thought it was different :\

Residence is a great way to make friends. It's a new experience for almost everyone, so a lot of people will be shy as well. Don't be scared but instead just go out and make friends! It's actually a lot easier than you think. For me personally, I found that people at uni are generally much nicer than people in high school