The Roomies at THU: Miguel and George

The new semester is kicking off. As a freshman, when you move in this university, you may meet your first friend here - your rommate.

Miguel Hu and George Tian, undergraduate students from Tsinghua University’s Department of Automation and the School of Software, started their friendship as they moved on campus and became roommates. 

Upon George’s arrival at the Zijing Student Dormitory, Miguel eagerly waited at the reception area to help him with his luggage and check in before moving into their room. It was the first time they met each other in person. They had a smooth introductory period even though they grew up in different countries, George from Australia and Miguel from Spain. The two friends had some things in common, their culture and background including both their parents are of Chinese ethnicity.  They also share the same interests and hobbies, which made their bond even stronger.

George and Miguel both enjoy sports activities in Tsinghua together with their friends. “No sports, no Tsinghua”, there’s indeed a strong sports atmosphere among the TsinghuaRen. Other than going to the gym, they also enjoy swimming, jogging, and frisbee. There’s a myriad of activities, clubs, and facilities provided on campus, George and Miguel found so many students love sports that even the gym and swimming pool are crowded. 

Meanwhile, soon after settling on campus, it was Miguel’s birthday. Miguel said he would have spent the night dining outside with his friends, however, the campus was under strict control because of the pandemic situation in Beijing at the time. Hence, George and his friend decided to surprise him with a secret celebration on the Zijing sports field.

Zijing sports field is their all-time favourite spot to put up small gatherings after class and play board games, and other sports. George, and with the help of other friends, decided to throw a surprise birthday party under the disguise that it was one of their usual gatherings at the Zijing sports field. A plan that worked that night, they sang Miguel a birthday song and had fun playing board games such as Uno and Avalon. Miguel said it’s one of his most unforgettable memories in Tsinghua, to spend his birthday with so many people. 

Living together could be challenging, hence it’s important to be willing to help and respect each other's boundaries. For example, if one of them has an early class the next day, the other will respect the other’s schedule and avoid interrupting. Miguel will take his phone calls in the laundry room when George is studying to keep him focused. George says: “As roommates respect each other's boundaries, take care of one another and make wise choices.”

Although they have only been roommates for one semester, they find each other as very compatible friends.  “I think it is very important to find a roommate with similar personalities, just like me and George,” said Miguel. As similar personalities lead to matching paces in daily life, it helps to avoid conflicts. “Cherish the time that you can spend with your roommates,” said Miguel. 

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TsinghuaRen | The Roomies at THU: Miguel and George 

Journalists: Wang Xiyuan, Chen Yuxin

Writer: Wong Rhui Poh

Editors: Maria Vula, Liu Shutian

Designer: Xia Yifei

Reviewer: Lin Yuan