Kate: You’re Alex, right? I hear you are the go-to person about dorm room problems. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.

Alex: Whoa. First things first. What room are you in?

Kate: Sorry, I got ahead of myself. I’m Kate. Room 17 on the seventh floor.

Alex: Hi, Kate. Yes, I’m the don for floor 7. How have you enjoyed the first few weeks of school?

Kate: My classes are a bit dry, but I guess that is to be expected for first year. I’m having a major problem with my roommate, though.

Alex: Uh-oh. Already? School has barely even started, Kate. Is Yuki keeping you up too late or something?

Kate: It’s not about the late nights. She just always has someone over in our room. The room is barely big enough for the two of us, never mind her boyfriends.

Alex: Boyfriends? Oh, does she have more than one this year?

Kate: Well, I don’t think she’s really dating any of them, but she never comes to the room without an entourage. It’s impossible to study.

Alex: Have you tried using the study hall or the library? It’s only a ten-minute walk across campus.

Kate:  I know, but I like studying on my bed. That’s what I always did in high school.

Alex: Look, I can talk to Yuki, but I have a few more serious issues on my plate right now. I suggest you take it up with her first. Come see me again if you two can’t work something out.

Kate: There’s one other thing. Yuki and her friends never talk in English. It feels like they’re talking behind my back.

Alex: It may be annoying, but it’s not exactly against the rules to speak your native language, Kate. This isn’t high school, remember?

Kate: I know, but I’m just wondering if I can request a room change. I think a single room would suit me better.