Having a good roommate can truly make or break your college experience, especially your first-year. Now, most people probably assume that I am defining a "good" roommate as being your absolute best friend for life. THIS IS NOT THE CASE. In fact, I would define a good first-year roommate as being someone who truly compliments your personality and lifestyle. Below you can find some helpful tips for picking your roommate! If your college assigns them to you like mine did, you will also find some helpful hints for making the most out of the roommate assignment process! What makes me qualified to discuss this topic? Well, I have had just about every roommate horror story happen in the books. I've been locked out of my room when I was coming back from a shower, I have been kicked out of my room at 3 am on the same day I had a basketball game, my entire desk and comforter have been destroyed by my roommate's guests, and I've slept on friend's couches because of a roommate. Don't worry, if you follow these tips you should be okay!
Tips for Finding a Roommate
Tip #1-Use the Assignment Quizzes Wisely
Be as SPECIFIC as possible when filling out roommate assignment quizzes. By doing so, you are putting yourself in a better position to be living with someone who has similar interests, sleep schedules, etc. Some example questions I had on my roommate assignment quiz were....Do you smoke? What time do you go to sleep? What time do you wake up? Do you drink? How social are you? Do you prefer to do work in your room or at the library? Answer these questions honestly, and provide explanations if they allow you to. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for them to match you with someone that will be a good fit for you.
Tip #2- Use the Class Facebook Group
This is useful for individuals who get to pick their roommates, and for students who get assigned roommates. For students who get to pick their roommates, do not just decide to room with the first person you find that may have one thing in common with you. Truly try to find someone who has a similar lifestyle and a personality that will compliment yours. Living with someone exactly like you is not always the best option. For students who do not get to pick their roommates, still try to meet people through your Facebook class group. Some schools will allow you to list someone you would prefer to live with, and if this is the case, you may find someone from the Facebook group that you mesh well with prior to filling out the roommate assignment quiz.
Tips for When You Start Living with Your Roommate
Tip #1- Communicate
If you have an issue with your roommate, just talk to them about it. Discussing an issue immediately will prevent both parties from building up frustration and anger towards the other. Most issues have very simple solutions if you just talk about it. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your roommate alone, have a friend be a mediator! Believe me, communicating with your roommate will make living together A LOT easier.
Tip #2- Be Respectful of Your Roommate's Space
This rule is pretty simple and self-explanatory, but you'd be surprised how many people do not follow it. Be respectful of your roommate's space and set clear boundaries for what you expect in regards to your belongings. For instance, some roommates are okay with sharing clothes/hair dryers/accessories/etc, but not every roommate relationship is going to be like this. If your roommate does not want to share, respect that. Respect their sleep schedule. Respect if they want to be in the room for an hour or two alone. I cannot emphasize this point enough...JUST BE A RESPECTFUL PERSON!
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