We asked readers to share their stories about living with roommates. Here, Parshati Patel, a student at the University of Toronto, shares her experience of living with roommates:
I'm currently studying Astronomy and Physics in Canada at the University of Toronto. I began the course in 2006-07 and to experience the culture of the new environment, I decided to stay on campus.
I was a bundle of nerves the day my roommates were to arrive, even a little scared. Though I had exchanged a few emails with them, I was curious to see how they would react to a "brown" student, since all three were Canadian. When they finally arrived, most of my fears were laid to rest and I was looking forward to spending time with them.
Since I was from completely different faculty, I'd spend a lot of time studying lot and didn't interact with them too much (this was also partly because I was afraid of how the interaction might go). But we got to know each other as time passed. The thing I liked most about them was that they were co-operative.
Though they'd laugh at my accent and the way I spoke, they were very interested in and open to my culture. Two of them are actually studying Indian history at the university and would ask me all sorts of questions about Gandhiji.
During one of our many discussions (before they took the Indian history class), I mentioned that I belonged to the land of Gandhiji. Immediately after I mentioned it I realised that they probably wouldn't know what I was talking about. But to my surprise they were very familiar with who he was and what he stood for. What came as a surprise was not that they knew about him, but that they knew more about him than most other Indians I'd met.
Of the three, I formed the closest relationship with Julie, a Canadian. She loved Indian food and movies, and was very warm and helpful. While Lisa, another Canadian, wasn't as friendly, it wasn't a very difficult situation to handle. We'd just keep out of each other's way. The third, Stephannie, was very bubbly and talkative; she was a Canadian-born
My first year abroad has been quite eventful and has only strengthened my pride for my country and culture. For all those who will be sharing accommodations with roommates, here's a word of advice -- just mind your own business and they'll be happy. Though I've had some bitter experiences with my roomies, I will cherish the happy times forever.
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