Most large public institutions rely on computers to pair roommates, but officials at Ohio State make the matches after considering students' habits, hobbies, and academic interests. Students' relationships with their roommates frequently determine whether they are happy at the university. (MLW)

More student resident assistants are dealing with such difficult problems as alcoholism, suicide, homophobia, racism, date rape, and stress. Some institutions have decided to stop using students to supervise dormitories, while others are working to make resident assistants more qualified. (MLW)