What are some important things to consider when choosing a college roommate?
I will be going to college soon, and I want to know what I should consider in choosing who will be my roommate. Character? Work ethic? How fun they are to hang out with?
#college #roommates #housing #dorm
11 answers
Josh’s Answer
The previous answer was on point, but I have an additional recommendation. While you want someone who will be compatible in terms of living style, social interaction, and habits, take the opportunity to choose someone who is different than you in terms of their background. One of the greatest experiences of college is learning about other people, expanding your horizons, and understanding the greatness that is human diversity. If you choose someone who is "just like you" you're missing out.
Bill’s Answer
However, aside from those, most roommate arguments stem from not talking about things beforehand. Have a mutual respect for each other and discuss things beforehand. What are rules for visitors? Romantic partners? Food? Technology usage?
It's also a good idea to have a common goal. My old freshman roommate and I would put all our loose change aside and at the end of every month, we would buy beer with what is in there. That may seem silly, but it puts you both in a situation where you're working together. It helps you get along. That's just an example, as there are other things you can do together.
G. Mark’s Answer
There are a couple obvious things, a couple not-so-obvious, and something you might consider.
1) Obviously, you would talk to the person and get their opinions about a lot of things. Because you want someone you'll agree with? No, because it will give you insight into their personality.
2) You want someone who is as dedicated to study as you are. Because if you find someone who is just a lot of fun to hang with, you might end up doing that more than studying.
3) If you find someone who shares some interests, the same thing applies. You don't want someone who will tempt to you goof off and just have fun pursuing those interests.
4) And here's the suggestion. Do what people do for Personality Assessment Testing. That is, those tests give a whole load of questions either multiple choice or essay or just oddball questions. These are an indirect way of finding out if some people are well suited for particular careers by matching their answers -- again, sometimes to weird questions -- to those who are successful and enjoy their chosen career. If you can find a questionnaire like that already and find a way to get it "scored", fine. But failing that, put together a bunch of questions yourself. Some simple, some weird, some tough, whatever.
Don't underestimate (4). If you're going to be investing all that time and money and effort into a significant part of your life and you want to have someone who will not interfere with that but be conducive to your success, it's worth the effort.
Sheila’s Answer
Great question! You can't go wrong with the advice already provided by the CV Professionals. All of the responses are great ones and there's no wrong answer here.
I'd like to provide you with a different perspective that you may not have considered or thought about. I have two nieces that are currently going through the process of selecting a roommate for college. What they are considering is "diversity". One of my nieces has selected a Caucasian, Asian, and Indian girls as roommates. Each roommate has their own room that comes with a bathroom. Of course there are other factors that this group of girls worked out but, for my niece she wanted to be in a diverse environment. She met her roommates online and via the school's website. They all have agreed and signed up to be in the room with each other.
My other niece has traveled abroad to many places around the world. She too wants a diverse group of roommates. I know that diversity is probably not the first thing most people are thinking about but, I encourage you to be open to consider other factors you may not have thought about (ie, diversity, different background, culture, etc). The other stuff can always get worked out like cleanliness, respecting space, etc. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Sanjay’s Answer
Carrie’s Answer
Hello, When I was in college I had to live in the dorms my first year. I was able to select my close friend as a roommate. Some colleges do not provide that option up front and you are given an assigned roommate. If that is the case, it would be prudent to have a conversation with your new roommate to be and get to know them. Find out if they are an early morning or night person, do they have a significant other that might be staying over, what are their extracurricular activities, what do they enjoy doing in their spare time. Is this person laid back or are they OCD? Together you can both come up with "rules" to live by that you mutually agree upon. Happy living!
Victoria’s Answer
That they are sustainable and have a good work ethic, outgoing, love being involved in social activities
Shannon’s Answer
Hi Ramtin,
My advice would be to ask if they are a neat person or a messy person? Ask their sleep habits ( are they an early riser or a night owl), are they very social( will they have a lot of friends in and out of your room), do they like to study in the room or at the library? Do they have a significant other and will that person be staying over (establish some rules for that)? If this is your first time sharing space with someone ask as much as you can about habits and lifestyle so you will know if you are a match.
Shannon recommends the following next steps:
Rebecca’s Answer
wingin’s Answer
And set some ground rule everyone think that is acceptable. However. If the answer is positive, I strongly suggest you go to a trip with the ones you want to become as the roommate. And you can figure out is that possible for them become your roommate after all.
