diff --git a/spectrum/src/tests/irc_test.py b/spectrum/src/tests/irc_test.py
index 6ffc650f86ee301218d166b8f52ef8e011616c0c..8416dce81edb4292b43d4eaf801206a88f76d140 100644
--- a/spectrum/src/tests/irc_test.py
+++ b/spectrum/src/tests/irc_test.py
@@ -43,6 +43,8 @@ class Client(sleekxmpp.ClientXMPP):
 				self.echo_received = True
 
 	def start(self, event):
+		self.getRoster()
+		self.sendPresence()
 		self.plugin['xep_0045'].joinMUC(self.room, self.nick, wait=True)
 		self.send_message(mto=self.room, mbody="abc", mtype='groupchat')
 		#time.sleep(10)