gerbils

Thanks for all the advice! Here's the update: I contacted the school and found out I will indeed be sharing the room, except for the last night. I'm in the process of looking at alternatives for him for those first nights: family acquiantances, hostels, airbnb, & craigslist. He's not picky about accomodations so we should be able to figure something out, and at least he'll get to stay there the last night. The only real downside is it will be harder to spend time exploring the town together during breaks that I might have from recruitment events. I probably won't contact the school about other options at this point since it seems like they are pretty far along in the planning process. If we really can't find something affordable I may do it, though. Just in the off chance that there is an odd number of people and they are wiling to let me be the person who doesn't have to share.

This is mostly a question for people who have had experience with interview/recruitment weekends. I have an interview for a PhD program at a school across the country. They are covering my hotel and transportation. I live with my long-term boyfriend who has booked tickets to check out the area at the same time. The current plan is for him to stay in the hotel with me. As far as I know I am not sharing a hotel room with other interviewees (plans would obviously change if this were the case). My question is: will this setup reflect poorly on me if it's known about? Will the school be upset? I am wondering how discreet I should be when handling this situation. I don't want to give the impression that I am mooching off the school or hotel, but it's not financially reasonable for him to pay for a separate hotel unless absolutely necessary. Specific questions: How much time is spent interacting with other candidates at the hotel? If I get interview questions about my readiness to move: I feel that him visiting demonstrates my pragmatism when it comes to moving my life cross country, but would it be risky to mention this in an interview if asked? Should I inform the hotel that he will be there also or will that incite complications? Thanks in advance for help!