Published on July 25, 2025 by Gelaina Allen, a Samford University parent, Alabama Parent Chair, and Executive Assistant to Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Phil Kimrey  
family in a dormroom

It’s official—housing assignments have dropped, and your student’s journey to Samford just got very real. Suddenly there’s a building name, a room number, maybe even a new roommate’s name… and with that comes a wave of feelings: excitement, nervous energy, curiosity, and maybe a few butterflies. Totally normal!

Whether your student is doing a happy dance over their assignment or feeling a little unsure, we want to help you both take a deep breath and see the big picture.

Where You Sleep Isn’t Where the Story Ends

At Samford, residence halls are more than just places to crash between classes. They’re hubs of laughter, late-night chats, and the kind of memories that last long after graduation. From Vail’s iconic halls filled with tradition to the shiny new spaces in Gaston-Mann every hall has its own personality—and more importantly, its own community.

Some halls are new; others carry the character and charm of decades of Bulldog stories. But rest assured: all are welcoming, well-kept, and thoughtfully designed with students in mind. Renovations and updates happen regularly, so no matter where your student lands, they’ll have what they need to feel right at home.

Let’s Talk Roommates

Roommates are one of the biggest wild cards in college life. Maybe your student has known their roommate since preschool, or maybe they just learned their name five minutes ago—either way, living with someone new takes a little give-and-take. The secret? Relax! Come in with the goal of being a good roommate (not a perfect one), be kind, stay flexible, and remember that compromise goes a long way.

Keep your expectations in check and don’t forget: your roommate doesn’t have to be your instant BFF. Could they become your go-to person for late-night Cookout runs? Sure! But for now, just focus on learning how to share a space without stepping on each other’s toes (literally or figuratively). The friendship part can come later—right after you figure out who’s bringing the mini fridge.

If your student was assigned a roommate who seems very different from them, there may be some mixed feelings. Just know—it’s okay! Some of the most meaningful college friendships begin in unlikely pairings. Learning to live with someone who sees the world differently can stretch a student’s empathy, communication, and self-awareness in powerful ways. And know this:  Res Life staff prayed over every housing file before the matches were made.

What Now?

A few things we hope families will keep in mind:

  • Room details: Approximate room measurements are available on-line here. Students can view the layout and start planning with their roommate. Just keep in mind—not every room has been individually measured, and some little architectural quirks might not be shown in the layout. So, before you break out the power tools to build that epic shelf that doubles as a headboard, nightstand, microwave stand, and fridge holder, wait until you’ve seen the space in person. Trust me—your future self (and your back) will be glad you did!
  • Ask before you post. Before heading to social media with “Anyone else in Vail 2nd floor?” make sure your student is cool with it. Respecting their privacy empowers their independence.
  • No need for room changes: Samford’s housing placement is based on deposit date, and those came in early this year! We understand that students may be surprised by where or with whom they’ve been placed. That said, housing assignments can’t always be changed. One small change can cause an avalanche of changes that must take place and aren’t always possible. Encourage your student to lean into this moment with flexibility and optimism—qualities that will serve them well in every area of life at Samford.
  • Be strong for your student: When your student shares their anxieties, use this opportunity to model your faith. Show them how to navigate the tumultuous emotions rather than jumping on and taking the ride with them. Be strong so that they can learn to be strong!
  • Facebook is not the gospel. We’ve all been there. You see something on a parent group and suddenly panic sets in. But as a Samford employee and a Samford parent, I’ll be honest—Facebook is not always your most reliable source. Got a question? Go straight to Res Life. They’ve got the real answers.

Trust the Process: You’ve Got This (and So Do They)

It’s natural to want everything to be perfect before the first day. But college isn’t about perfect—it’s about growth. There may be bumps along the way, but more often than not, those very bumps lead to resilience, laughter, and lifelong connections. Whether your student is in a shiny new hall or one with history and heart, they’ll find their place. And they won’t do it alone.

At Samford, your student will be surrounded by people who are for them—resident assistants, resident lift coordinators, professors, campus ministers, peers. No matter where they sleep, they’ll be supported.

So, take a deep breath. Trust the process. And celebrate this exciting step toward independence and discovery.

We’re so glad your family is part of the Samford story.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks with the second highest score in the nation for its 98% Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.