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What are some of the best tips for finding and getting along with a college roomate?
I just got accepted to my dream school! I just need help figuring out how to choose a roommate!
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6 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
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Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
When it comes to choosing a college roommate, there are several factors to take into consideration:
As I recall the student housing programs at many colleges and universities issue surveys and ask questions to future students, so that they can best match them up with other individuals who they will be compatible with, when they arrive on campus.
You should also look at other important elements like:
* sleep schedules
* cleanliness
* social life
* study habits
But I would definitely utilize the college survey and roommate-matching system, along with social media groups, or you can also ask friends and acquaintances to find potential roommates, with whom you will be compatible.
Before you make a final commitment , have an open conversation with the other person, to ensure you have compatible expectations for living together.
As I recall the student housing programs at many colleges and universities issue surveys and ask questions to future students, so that they can best match them up with other individuals who they will be compatible with, when they arrive on campus.
You should also look at other important elements like:
* sleep schedules
* cleanliness
* social life
* study habits
But I would definitely utilize the college survey and roommate-matching system, along with social media groups, or you can also ask friends and acquaintances to find potential roommates, with whom you will be compatible.
Before you make a final commitment , have an open conversation with the other person, to ensure you have compatible expectations for living together.
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Check if your incoming class has a Facebook group to meet other incoming students! One thing that I found important in choosing a roommate was that our sleep schedules aligned. This is huge when sharing a room! Luckily, we both weren't night owls and our classes started around the same time every day.
Updated
Phill’s Answer
Hey Hannah,
It is great to hear that you got accepted into your dream school and you are now considering life with a roommate. Living with a college roommate can be a fun exciting experience and no matter the outcome, will be a fun story that you got through. There are a few ways you can go about finding a roommate to dorm with. First, see if there are any connections through the school. Some colleges provide ways for students to reach out to each other in order to find a roommate. You can also consider going to any pre-college freshman events, where you can find other incoming classmates. You can also consider using Facebook and other social media to find a roommate.
Living with someone new can be a different, but exciting experience. It is important to maintain a good living environment physically and spiritually. When living with someone, it is best to be honest and clear as to respect each others boundaries. Consideration is key when sharing close quarters with someone new. It would be ideal to live with someone who is as respectful in return. Make sure to keep your space and shared spaces clean. Help take out the garbage and with other chores, even if they are new to you. Remember that you are both human and are experiencing something new and see situations as learning opportunities. Most of all, study have and have fun!
Best of luck on your journey!
It is great to hear that you got accepted into your dream school and you are now considering life with a roommate. Living with a college roommate can be a fun exciting experience and no matter the outcome, will be a fun story that you got through. There are a few ways you can go about finding a roommate to dorm with. First, see if there are any connections through the school. Some colleges provide ways for students to reach out to each other in order to find a roommate. You can also consider going to any pre-college freshman events, where you can find other incoming classmates. You can also consider using Facebook and other social media to find a roommate.
Living with someone new can be a different, but exciting experience. It is important to maintain a good living environment physically and spiritually. When living with someone, it is best to be honest and clear as to respect each others boundaries. Consideration is key when sharing close quarters with someone new. It would be ideal to live with someone who is as respectful in return. Make sure to keep your space and shared spaces clean. Help take out the garbage and with other chores, even if they are new to you. Remember that you are both human and are experiencing something new and see situations as learning opportunities. Most of all, study have and have fun!
Best of luck on your journey!
Updated
Maria’s Answer
Make sure to attend your school’s orientation in person. Be friendly and open-minded! You won’t be surprised to find so many other people eager to make friends, most of your classmates don’t know anyone at the school they are attending. They don’t need to be the same major as you either, sometimes differing interests brings balance to your dorm. If you’re looking for a study buddy though, you can seek out people with the same major as your own. Good luck!
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Hannah,
Finding roommate can be a bit of a gamble when you are new. You'll have to check what the rules are at your school and how they pair roommates. In many schools, you have to stay in residence for your first one or two years. At others, you can live off-campus. At some schools fresh-peeps are in different residences than higher years. At some schools, they like to house students from the same college together, in others they like to mix.
Assuming you don't know anyone yet, and if the school assigns residences, you'll often have a sign-up form where you can indicate your preferences regarding cleanliness/order, study times, quiet times and other personal preferences and characteristics. When you already know someone, you might be able to indicate that you would like to share.
I am sure you'll have some kind of welcome and orientation event where you can meet other new students. There is no better place to find new friends fast than a first-year event. Everyone is new!
I hope this helps! Enjoy your school and all the best to you!
KP
Finding roommate can be a bit of a gamble when you are new. You'll have to check what the rules are at your school and how they pair roommates. In many schools, you have to stay in residence for your first one or two years. At others, you can live off-campus. At some schools fresh-peeps are in different residences than higher years. At some schools, they like to house students from the same college together, in others they like to mix.
Assuming you don't know anyone yet, and if the school assigns residences, you'll often have a sign-up form where you can indicate your preferences regarding cleanliness/order, study times, quiet times and other personal preferences and characteristics. When you already know someone, you might be able to indicate that you would like to share.
I am sure you'll have some kind of welcome and orientation event where you can meet other new students. There is no better place to find new friends fast than a first-year event. Everyone is new!
I hope this helps! Enjoy your school and all the best to you!
KP
Updated
David’s Answer
Congrats on getting into your dream school!
Finding a Roommate
Use reliable sources like college housing boards, official university groups, or apps like Roomster.
Talk about your daily habits, like sleep schedules, cleanliness, having guests over, and study times before making a decision.
Agree early on how to split rent, handle chores, and pay bills.
Getting Along
Communicate openly and kindly to sort out any issues quickly.
Respect each other's personal space and privacy.
Share chores and keep shared spaces clean.
Have a backup plan in case things don't go as expected.
Finding a Roommate
Use reliable sources like college housing boards, official university groups, or apps like Roomster.
Talk about your daily habits, like sleep schedules, cleanliness, having guests over, and study times before making a decision.
Agree early on how to split rent, handle chores, and pay bills.
Getting Along
Communicate openly and kindly to sort out any issues quickly.
Respect each other's personal space and privacy.
Share chores and keep shared spaces clean.
Have a backup plan in case things don't go as expected.