Thanks for the additional example of a vacancy situation. In this case, I literally meant it when I said "I" can only think of sad situations", which is why ot

Thanks for the additional example of a vacancy situation. In this case, I literally meant it when I said "I" can only think of sad situations", which is why others' examples are helpful. My main point is that this a dorm-room vacancy involves changes in human relationships, such changes are often likely to involve strong emotions, and as such should be handled much differently than say, a notice that says the cafeteria will close half-an-hour early on Friday. There are cases where the remaining roommate is even happy to have their roommate leave (for whatever reason), but it's still best to initially approach the situation with extra care, just in case.