Reading Mock Test 3 · Parts 1–4

From: Owen Baptiste, Fernwood Hall, Room 214

To: Trisha Amos, Residence Life Coordinator

Subject: Requesting a room change before winter term

Hi Trisha,

I moved into Fernwood in September and I would like to ask about switching rooms before winter term starts on January 6th. My roommate works the overnight shift at a warehouse three nights a week, and he sleeps through most of the afternoon. I study at my desk in the room because the library closes at 9 p.m., and I have been keeping the lights off and using headphones, but it is not really working for either of us.

I know the housing handbook says room changes are only processed twice a year, in September and January, so I understand this is the right window. I would prefer to stay in Fernwood because it is close to the engineering building, but I would also consider Larkspur House if a single room opens up there, even though it costs about $60 more per month.

One more question: my current roommate has not complained to anyone officially, and I do not want this to look like I am reporting him for something. Is there a way to request the change that does not require an explanation involving him at all?

Thanks,

Owen

— REPLY —

From: Trisha Amos

To: Owen Baptiste

Subject: RE: Requesting a room change before winter term

Hi Owen,

Thanks for reaching out with enough lead time. You are right that the January window is open until December 15th, so you have made the deadline comfortably.

On the privacy question: you can simply select "schedule conflict, no roommate issue" on the online form, and no explanation naming your roommate is required or shared with him. That option exists exactly for cases like yours.

For placement, I checked both buildings. Fernwood has no vacancies right now, but a shared double in Cordwood Hall just opened, also near the engineering building, for the same rate you pay now. Larkspur singles are full for winter term, though one may open in the spring intake if someone withdraws.

If you want the Cordwood double, I can confirm it today, since only one other student has asked about it. If you would rather wait for a possible Larkspur single in spring, I can put your name on that list instead, but you would stay in your current room until then.

Let me know by December 10th so I can finalize January assignments.

Trisha