College dorms

[Terra]

Anyone have any advice about the dorm situation? To save money I was planning to do the roomate room, and I have to be in the dorms for the first year. Not sure how much I can hide due to the fact that I have to wear a sportsbra to even have a sorta-male chest. That might raise some eyebrows with the roomie.  Right now I plan to explain that I just have gynecomastia but my roomate will notice other things, like my medication and perhaps further changes.

I can try for a single room, but it would double my costs per semester for a room. Getting a loan and dealing with said loans are going to be a pain enough so i'm trying to keep costs down. Also having a dorm room would take alot of pressure off me when it comes to day to day living, things are going to be hectic enough with going back to school after almost two years.

Any ideas or advice would be greatly appreciated. Heck, any advice in general with college life as a tg would be welcome.

[ssindysmith]

I don't have much info to give you but I know a person how does, she hangs out here sometimes her name is Deb she is really cool and smart can you tell I like her she might be able to give some insight I will forward her a link.

[seldom]

I would disclose as much information as possible.  Many college campuses make special consideration for queer students out of safety, such as reducing the rate for single college dorms for that student as if they had a roommate, or finding a roommate in a similiar situation.

Honestly, this is for your own good.  Otherwise you will be stuck with a roommate that may be potentially hostile. 

There is a time to be open and honest, and with college dorms you need to be both.  Call the housing people, explain your situation in detail.  This is the best way to work out the living situation while on campus. 

[debisl]

I was commuting back and forth and I finaly decided enough was enough. My best GF told me to go talk to the councelers and ask for some considerations. I was told I would be allowed to stay at school, but had to obey the schools rules. I had to use my real name ( it was  close enough to be a girls name so it didn't bother me too much)I was not to use the womens restrooms or shower facilities at the pool. One of my councelers helped me talk to the people in charge of my friends G&L soriety. I was able to room with my GF (not in the  sence of boy and girlfriend she was just a very close friend that happens to be a GG girl). I was very passable and not many of the girls (4) knew I was really a boy. I had developed nicely by then so it was not hard at all to slip by as a girl. The officials did warn me if anyone complained about me I was out. No one did! This was some time back I hope things have gotten better with coping.

Deb

[Terra]

Thanks, I do plan to talk to the school, my only fear is repercussion on my family. My sister goes to this school, as well as my little brother. Granted we would be on seperate educational paths and the risk of actually having class with either is minimal, still i'm trying to make as little impact on them.

right now the plan is to talk to them and hope for the best. I don't think I could pass as a girl right now, not that well at least. So hopefully the housing department will have either experience or some ideas of how to do this.

[J.T.]

at my school they had a service through the GLBT center where they would hook you up with good roomies.  Good luck, let us know what the school says.

[Terra]

Well, i've moved and talked to the school, basically i'll have to suck it up and go with a single room. It also turns out that I will be the first ts to come out on the campus in 5 years. Nothing I can't handle. 

Oh, and talking to the local glbt center told me that while they probably would recommend staying out of the bars, most of the town would probably be tolorent, guess that gets put to the test this spring. Fist I plan to get accustomed to college life again and get situated on the fencing team, which noone told me this college had or I would have moved much sooner. 

All in all things are looking up, just gotta tie up some loose ends and I should be ready to tackle college. Yatta!