Zumaly Dixon snuggles in her dorm bed while on her laptop as a Harry Potter movie plays in the background.
Dixon is a resident assistant, but she isn't listening to the movie alone-freshman Victoria Brathwaite sits across from her RA in a temporary bed watching, too.
For the first time in at least 25 years, UF RAs have assigned roommates as part of a housing overflow procedure, according to Sharon Blansett, assistant director of housing for research and organizational development. Previously, UF housed students in lounges or made off-campus living arrangements.
But at 104 percent capacity this year-the highest in UF history-more residents are being doubled or tripled to offset housing demand.
The new living arrangements are temporary, lasting for two to three weeks until some residents cancel their leases.
"It affects the [expectations] of the job, but I don't mind," said Dixon, a marketing sophomore.
Out of 183 UF RAs, 105 RAs have been assigned a roommate. Rawlings Hall RA Akeelah Ammons is one of the 78 RAs who continue to enjoy single rooms.
"It must be tough because you're not used to having a roommate," said Ammons, a fifth-year dietetics major. "I'm using my room as a refuge for them and the hall."
Prior to move-in, students were notified via e-mail about temporarily living with a resident assistant.
"I feel bad because [having your own room] is one of the perks of being an RA," said Brathwaite, a biology major.
Some students can only imagine what it would be like living with their hall RA.
"That's weird because if you go out partying or something your RA is watching your back," said Ansuya Deosaran, a freshman biology major. "I would rather have a triple than living with [an] RA."
Broward Hall RA Nabil Abazaid also has a freshman roommate in his dorm. He believes having a roommate may send the wrong message to others in his hall.
"It takes away the authority aspect of being an RA," said Abazaid, a sophomore health science major. "You want to be friendly enough to them but also have respect for the rules."
