Northeastern Residential Life sent students living in university housing an email Sept. 12 asking residents to cease entering and filming others’ dorms for the “surprise room tour” trend on social media.
The viral videos addressed in the email, recently popularized on TikTok, include a student knocking on a stranger’s door and entering their dorm to film an unprompted room tour. The email links to Northeastern’s 2024-2025 Code of Student Conduct and Guide to Residence Hall Living, which both prohibit entering another student’s room without permission.
“Please remember, entering a room without the resident’s consent is not allowed and violates university policies,” the email said.
Per the “Standards of Conduct” section of the Code of Student Conduct that the university linked, “unauthorized access or entry to, into, or onto any property owned or operated by the university or any private or restricted property” is considered a “potential student conduct charge.”
“The Department of Housing and Residential Life staff aims to protect the rights of everyone in the residential community,” the “Failure to Comply” section of the Guide to Residence Hall Living reads. “Inappropriate behavior, including failing to comply with the reasonable directions of University officials will not be tolerated and may result in disciplinary action through the Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution.”
Violation of the Code of Student Conduct can result in disciplinary action, including warnings, fines, suspension or even expulsion.
As of publication, there were more than 102,000 posts related to the trend under the hashtag “DormTour,” which include videos made by students across the U.S., including at the University of Arkansas, Texas State University and Michigan State University. The videos have received mixed reactions from those whose dorm rooms are being unexpectedly filmed.
In some instances, the residents being filmed recognize the trend and allow the students to enter their dorms and film. In other videos, students are startled, and some request the individual to leave.
“Your room is your personal space, and everyone deserves to feel comfortable and safe in theirs,” Northeastern’s email to students reads. “Any student who enters a room without permission (regardless of intent) will be referred through the University Student Conduct process.”
The email directs students who have any questions or concerns to contact their designated Resident Assistant or the Residential Department.
“Let’s continue to build a community based on respect and care for one another,” the email reads. “Thank you for helping us make a welcoming living environment for all.”
