Introducing myself to a roommate -- Oreos and Nutella

Virtually all of Stanford's undergraduates live on campus. What would you want your freshman year roommate to know about you? Tell us something about you that will help your roommate -- and us -- know you better.

Well, if we're to be roommates, we are going to be spending quite a lot of time together so it might be best that you know my shortcomings beforehand.

It may seem a bit peculiar to you initially so I best explain now so we can get over the awkwardness that will likely follow. I absolutely insist on a minimum of two fire extinguishers in our room. As an ex firefighter, I strongly believe in fire safety (perhaps a tad fanatically) and considering that when I attempt to cook, a disaster is simply waiting to happen. On that note, perhaps it is best if I'm banned from the kitchen. Considering my signature dish is oreos dipped in Nutella, I know my tastes tend to terrify people, particularly my mum. Although personally I think anyone who hasn't tried my Nutella crusted Oreos is severely missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures.

I'll be quite frank with you, I don't plan on being in the dorm all that much. I would rather be tinkering down in the lab or relaxing at the nearest coffee shop than being confined in my room. I do warn you however, I have a horrible habit for spontaneous road trips. When the lull of boredom overcomes me I can't help but want to explore. Particularly with Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose just a car ride away, it seems an injustice not to do so.

So what does this all mean? Will I cause the kitchen to combust into flames? Unlikely.

Will I try to drag you along on hastily planned road trips? Definitely.

Will I make for a boring roommate? I'll let you decide.

It may seem a bit peculiar to you initially so I best explain now so we can get over the awkwardness that will likely follow.

Maybe say it like this: "This may initially seem peculiar, but I must explain some awkward things about myself."

I absolutely insist on a minimum of two fire extinguishers in our room. As an ex firefighter, I strongly believe in fire safety (perhaps a tad fanatically) and considering that when I attempt to cook, a disaster is simply waiting to happen.

Disaster? This sounds too extreme! If you have training, don't you know how to safely run a stove/oven?

Considering my signature dish is oreos dipped in Nutella, I know my tastes tend to terrify people, particularly my mum.
I wonder what your "tastes" are... i wish you would elaborate on this- although the oreos sound delicious. At this point, you are saying some negative things about yourself, you may want to shine a better light on you, I know what you are trying to do.. but it does sound really awkward...

I'll be quite frank with you, I don't plan on being in the dorm all that much. I would rather be tinkering down in the lab or relaxing at the nearest coffee shop than being confined in my room. I do warn you however, I have a horrible habit for spontaneous road trips. When the lull of boredom overcomes me I can't help but want to explore. Particularly with Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Jose just a car ride away, it seems an injustice not to do so.

Good stuff! But, road trips cannot possibly be a horrible habit-- be more positive! Make yourself sound fun and interesting!