For many students, arriving at Trinity means more than a new school — it means a new city, a new country, or simply a new life, shared with someone they have never met. A roommate can be the first friend, the unexpected confidant, the person who makes an unfamiliar place feel like home. As Trinity prepares to welcome 357 students to the Lawson Centre for Sustainability this September, we’re celebrating the intimate double rooms that have always been part of residence life — and the connections that begin in them.
We asked alumni to share their stories of their own roommates. Here are the first. Please add yours!
When and where: 1990–91, Angel’s Roost, Room V
The roommates: Michael Chong ’94 and Rudyard Griffiths ’94
A favourite memory:
Michael: Rudyard didn’t show up right away in September — he was travelling outside of Canada. For several weeks I had the very large Room V to myself, and a roommate that many people thought was a figment of my imagination until he arrived in early October.
Rudyard: Mike had a busy and fun first year at Trinity, which included sleeping in until minutes before his exams. His periodic rocket launches from bed to the exam room in under five minutes were very enjoyable to watch — a highlight of exam season for the entire Angel’s Roost.
How it shaped the Trinity experience:
Michael: Having a roommate was invaluable for learning how to live with others, and immediately introduced me to a new acquaintance who became a close friend.
Rudyard: We shared a number of individual friends who became mutual friends we’ve both kept in touch with. Mike also had a car — a big plus for any roommate. We had some great road trips in Ontario that year.
When and where: 2017–18, St. Hilda’s College
The roommates: Alisha Deshmukh ’21 and Brianna Lane ’21 (submitted by Alisha)
A favourite memory:
When I first arrived at St. Hilda’s and walked into what was the biggest basement room — seeing the empty bed, desk, and dresser on the other side — I felt both excited and a little nervous. I was about to share a room with a complete stranger after moving all the way from India to Canada. What if we didn’t get along?
Brianna turned out to be one of the kindest and most patient people I could have asked for. Within the first week, before a formal event, she stepped in to help with my makeup — something I had always relied on my sister for back home. Small moments like these instantly made a new place feel a lot more familiar.
On nights when we both missed home, we’d lie in the dark with just a sliver of light coming in from under the door, talking about our families, our lives, and everything in between. Somehow, those late-night conversations made everything feel a little less far away.
How it shaped the Trinity experience:
Having a roommate was like having a built-in friend to come home to — to get ready for Saints Ball or High Table with, borrow toothpaste from, and share everyday moments with. It was one of the most meaningful parts of my Trinity experience.
Where they are now:
We’re still friends today. When I visited Hungary with my husband, Brianna happened to be living there and gave us the best recommendations. No matter where we end up in the world, I know we’ll always have a friend in each other.
When and where: 2025–26, St. Hilda’s College
The roommates: Esha Rege (first-year student) and her two roommates
A favourite memory:
When I found out I’d have not one but two random roommates, I worried we might not get along, or that they might already know each other. After moving in, the three of us clicked instantly and all those concerns faded. Adjusting to life with two new people took some time, but we soon learned each other’s habits and found a rhythm that worked for all of us.
How it shaped the Trinity experience:
Living in a triple and getting to know my roommates has been the highlight of my first year. They were my first friends on campus, and our bond has only grown stronger as the year has gone on. I’ll miss living together next year, but I know our friendship will continue.
Share your stories!
Do you have a roommate story of your own? We’d love to hear it — whether it’s a friendship that has lasted decades, a memory that still makes you laugh, or simply a moment that made your Trinity experience what it was. Tell us when and where you lived, who your roommate was, and what you remember most. A photo from then or now is always welcome. Send us your story
