Should I have a roommate?

I’m a relatively social person who gets distracted by others pretty easily (I probably also distract others when trying to work). I am entering as a freshman in college next year and was wondering if I should do random roommate or if I should ask for a single. I don’t think it should make too much of a difference because hopefully I’ll be spending most of my time not in the dorm…but I’ve also heard alot of roommate horror stories. What do you guys think? Take the risk or just go without a roommate (pros and cons please)?

Thanks

Had two roommates during freshman year, both of which I haven’t seen ever since (most likely dropped out, one of which I know certainly dropped out). It’s all a gamble - most freshmen will have a roommate (definitely at my university), because getting a single isn’t as easy at all, unless you’re a junior or senior.

I thought I’d be fine with a roommate, but I quickly learnt that I’d be better off if I live in a single. I don’t have a reason to be out of my room “most” of the time. College gets busy pretty quickly, so don’t underestimate anything. Freshman year shouldn’t be that hard though - everyone is getting used to it, so you’re not the only one.

An advantage of having a roommate would be if both of you share a LOT of interests together, have similar sleeping patterns, and are both in agreement when it comes to visitors. No, that’s not a formula for roommate relationship success, but it’s a good indicator. Obviously, you will never truly know that person until you actually meet him or her. It’s also very helpful if both of you take similar classes and/or majoring in the same subject.

A disadvantage would most likely be the opposite of the above. Communication is key, and if both of you are constantly in awkward situations, never really talk (or in the case of that person not communicating with you), both of you have completely different sleeping patterns (that is, going to sleep late or early), then I don’t see why someone should struggle with a roommate. Not having a roommate doesn’t make someone an introvert. I don’t have a roommate since freshman year, but that’s also because I have a girlfriend and don’t want to visit her all the time, so keep that in mind as well. Chances are, your roommate might also be an obstacle in regards to your sexual desires, whenever that may be for you.

Once you’re well into your college years - you will start to develop new study and living habits, depending on your lifestyle, but there you have it - the pros and cons from my perspective (I’m half a semester away from becoming a senior).