<p>It could go either way. A roommate could make you safer because there is someone to notice if you are missing/don’t come back to your dorm. An assault while you are in your room is probably less likely, too, since there is a second person there. Flip side is that roommates sometimes leave doors unlocked when they are out of the room (so your stuff could get stolen), or may want you to leave the door unlocked when they are out and you are in the room. I think generally most students should have a roommate first year. They MAY become a friend (doesn’t always happen), and it does keep you from getting too isolated. Plus, lots of colleges don’t have singles for freshman unless you have a medical reason for it. Singles might be more expensive, too.</p>