Members of Duke’s incoming class will have a different first-year experience than did their upperclassman peers.

In a letter to members of the new class, Larry Moneta, vice president for student affairs, and Steve Nowicki, dean and vice provost for undergraduate education, wrote that the newest Blue Devils will not have the opportunity to request roommates. They wrote that there has been a rise in people pre-selecting roommates in recent years, which has led to roommates with "very similar backgrounds."

“Our experience over many years assures us (and thus, you) that you’ll be fine...better, in fact!” Moneta and Nowicki wrote. “We believe you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet someone you’ve not previously known and will have a great opportunity to explore your roommate’s history, culture and interests.”

Moneta and Nowicki noted that research shows that diverse interactions among students helps prepare them for life after Duke.

Student medical conditions and lifestyle preferences, including sleep hours and study location, will still be taken into account in housing assignments, according to the letter.