Friends From Two Worlds: First-Year International & U.S. Students Share Rooms & Lives

In Whitman’s Class of 2028, more than 15% of students come from outside the U.S. As part of Whitman’s Residence Life program, each is paired with a roommate from the States. 

Starting with a housing questionnaire filled out by all incoming students, Residence Life staff take care to match each new student with a roommate who will suit their lifestyle, habits and hopes. These thoughtful pairings foster mutual learning and friendship between international and U.S. students—as these three roommate pairs have found out firsthand.

Zizia Da Conceicao Teme, from Timor-Leste, a country in Southeast Asia, and her roommate, Layla Hidalgo, from Chicago, quickly discovered that living together in Anderson Hall would become one of the most defining parts of their college journey. With its lively halls and cozy dorm rooms, Anderson has served as a backdrop for both their day-to-day routines and spontaneous adventures. 

First-year roommates Erfan Vaezpour Najafabadi, from Iran, and Griffin Arnett, from Emmett, Idaho, live in Jewett Hall, known for its lively social atmosphere. Over the past few months they’ve navigated cultural differences and found activities to bond over together. 

Abeer Janat Javaid Iqbal, from Dubai, and Rosa Manich Sreng from Mill Valley, California, are first-year roommates living in Prentiss Hall, Whitman’s women- and nonbinary-only residence hall. They both love being in a close knit community and bonding with their section neighbors. 

From late-night Taco Bell runs to their first outings on campus, Zizia and Layla, Erfan and Griffin, and Abeer and Rosa are discovering favorite routines, quiet moments and the unexpected joys of residence life during their first semester at Whitman. 

They gave us a peek into their rooms and lives to capture how living together is shaping their friendships and encouraging their growth as Whitties so far. 

First Impressions: A Promising Start

Moving to a new place, meeting a roommate for the first time, and diving into college life—all in one day? Talk about a whirlwind! Each of these roommates tackled their first encounters with excitement and curiosity, laying the groundwork for some surprising connections.

Moving into a first-year residence hall with someone new can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. For Erfan (left) and Griffin (right), forging a friendship began with texts exchanged before move-in day. Erfan recalls, “We clicked so quickly, like right out the door.” 

That resonates with Zizia and Layla as well, whose connection was immediate, fueled by their shared enthusiasm for Whitman life.

Rosa (left) and Abeer (right) had a more introspective start. Both describe themselves as initially shy, but they found comfort in the inclusive, close-knit atmosphere of Prentiss Hall. Over time, small moments, like late-night talks and decorating their space, helped bridge their initial reserve.

Chaotic but Fun: Finding Their Rhythms

Life with a roommate is never boring, especially when personalities and routines collide in the best possible ways. These students discovered that their shared spaces weren’t just places to sleep but vibrant hubs of energy, humor and sometimes a little chaos. 

“Chaotic” was the word Zizia (left) and Layla (right) chose to describe their shared residence life—and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Their dynamic hall, filled with vibrant personalities, has created a joyful, if sometimes overwhelming, rhythm to their first semester.

Similarly, Abeer and Rosa joke about their contrasting schedules and habits, but they’ve come to cherish how their differences complement one another.

In Jewett Hall, Griffin (left) and Erfan (right) balance their room’s lively atmosphere with quieter moments. They’ve developed an easy rapport, making room for both late-night laughter and much-needed personal space. “It’s chaotic but organized,” Erfan explains, capturing the essence of many first-year roommate dynamics.

Favorite Memories: The Small Moments

While college is often about the big milestones, these roommates know the real magic happens in the everyday moments.

Learning From Each Other: Building Bridges

Sharing a room isn’t just about living side by side—it’s about learning and growing together. For these pairs, every conversation, meal and shared adventure brought new perspectives and discoveries.

Living together has taught Erfan and Griffin more than they ever expected. Erfan, who loves history, has introduced Griffin to Persian poetry, while Griffin, a photography enthusiast, inspired Erfan to take an interest in cameras.

Zizia and Layla have embraced their differences too. “I never thought I’d enjoy drinking Capri Sun,” says Zizia, laughing at Layla’s influence. Layla, in turn, has discovered a love for Timorese coffee, thanks to her roommate.

Abeer (left) and Rosa (right) enjoy learning about each other’s cultures too, from cooking Dubai-style shawarma together to sharing family holiday traditions. 

You’ve Got a Friend in Me: Summing Each Other Up

What makes a great roommate? Is it their sense of humor, their kindness or the way they seem to know just when to listen? These roommates reflected on their bonds, sharing heartfelt insights into what makes their friendship unique. When asked to describe each other in three words, their answers reflect the unique dynamics of each pair.

Their words underline the bonds they’ve built and the ways they’ve grown together in their first semester. It’s the beauty of connection, resilience, and growth—as well as the shared challenges and joys—that make Whitman’s residence life truly unforgettable.