As acceptances for us high school seniors roll around, I’ve started looking seriously into a few universities, but realized that I need to seriously start thinking about who I’m going to room with next year.
Do you guys have any advice as to how to find a good roommate? I’m really shy and am super scared about finding a roommate I’m compatible with.
Some people say go in blind others say that going in blind is the worst choice ever, what are your experiences?
Each college usually has an accepted students page on facebook. Then there will be other pages for the incoming freshmen class to connect with each other so that you can message each other to see if you want to be roommates. If you decide to attend incoming freshman orientation you will meet other incoming freshman and may find that you have something in common with those that you meet. There is nothing to worry about. Just remember that this is a new phase for all the incoming freshman so everyone is going through feelings of anxiety and excitement.
My university had an online roommate portal where people described themselves and it tried to match you with someone. Of course, you could go in blindly and just get randomly assigned, or you could use the roommate portal and try to find someone on there. I emailed my roommate because I thought she sounded chill and like we had a lot in common, and we exchanged emails back and forth for a bit just about our lifestyles, what we like, etc. Eventually we switched over to social media and texting and agreed to be roommates.
The process sounds intimidating, but everyone’s in the same position. Generally, I would recommend not going in blindly, because your roommate might love to do something you hate, which can cause some conflict issues.
I just went through this process last year, so I still remember all of my feelings and decisions and stuff. At first I tried to find a roommate myself, but it felt weird and unnatural to just message people and be like “Hey, let’s room together” while only seeing them through the narrow lens social media gives you. After all, everyone tries to put their best foot forward on Facebook, so people may not be as forthcoming with their negative traits.
I ended up going in blind–that is, filling out the college’s room survey and letting them assign me based on that–and I don’t regret it one bit. One of my roommates and I are super close, even though our personalities are so different. We’re planning on rooming together again next year, and I think it’s better to become friends naturally so that your roommate relationship strengthens your friendship. Even though I go to a small LAC, I probably wouldn’t have ever met her or become friends with her otherwise. I’ve also met people on campus who have picked their roommates through social media and it hasn’t worked out for them/they wish they picked someone else/they ended up switching.
But ultimately, it’s your decision of course. This is just my experience as someone who went random, and it worked out!
Honestly, it’s really the luck of the draw. You could end up with someone you have nothing in common with or maybe someone you aren’t compatible with. On the other hand, you might also find your best friend going random as well. It’s always a risk when you go random, and it can swing in either direction. Personally, I went random last year and you could say that me and my roommate’s relationship was less than stellar. I never talk to him anymore and I went with a single this time around. But don’t let that scare you, I know plenty of people who got along great with their roommates.
I found my roomate via Facebook freshman year. We still room together this year and it’s been great. Honestly going on the Facebook page is great and message people you think could be good fits
My roommate happened to be one of my best friends from high school LOL. I really enjoyed that experience even though there were some conflicts. However, if I was in your position, here’s what I’d do (3 options):
-Fill out a survey, maybe you’ll end up with someone compatible and it might work out.
OR
-If you know a friend who’s going to the same school as you, try and see if you two can get a dorm together
OR
-Meet people on the accepted students facebook page. Message people who are going to the school and see if you get along with them. If you think they’ll be great to be around, ask them if you want to dorm with them.