After moving into the residence halls without knowing anyone, floormates may become best friends or worst enemies.

NIU students report some success stories.

Floor buddies do many things together, including watching movies, setting time aside for television shows that can’t be missed, eating cafeteria food, working out, walking to class, forming study groups, offering friendly advice and going to parties.

“We look out for each other,” said Shenida Jenkins, a freshman athletic training major, in reference to her floormates.

One way floors can work together is through the Residence Hall Association point system.

Residents earn points by attending hall council meetings, participating in floor activities and simply behaving. By earning points, floors can receive novelty items for the lounge, such as an air hockey table.

So far, floormates from Lincoln Hall’s D wing have won the most points this semester. Residents find a number of ways to hang out with each other by attending hall council meetings, playing video games, watching movies, partying and even getting body piercings together.

“I’ve met a lot of interesting people that I have a lot in common with,” said David Kingsbury, a freshman OMIS major and D-2 resident. “I have made a lot of friends and we hang out constantly.”

Freshman communication major Nicole Fulton said the residence halls have given her a number of opportunities to meet new people.

“My floormates are my best friends up here,” Fulton said. “I love my floormates. They’re like my sisters.”

From setting Thursdays aside to watch “Survivor” to getting dressed up for parties, floor buddies form a special friendship. Floormates look after each other and try to help out in tough situations.

“I couldn’t live without my floor buddies,” said Benita Johnson, a freshman art education major. “You never do anything without somebody else.”