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Roommates 101

You've probably heard the horror stories of roommate nightmares. You’ve probably also heard stories of roommates who ended up life-long friends. The reality is that most college students probably will not initially know their roommates. You may be perfectly matched, or you may be as different as night and day. Either way, you have to go in with an open mind and make the best of it; otherwise it may be a long year. Following is a summary of what you can expect freshman year and tips to help you get along with your roommate.

Freshman Year
Day 1: A brief synopsis of what is to come:

Mom and Dad pile your belongings into the family car. They pull up in front of what will be your home for the next few years. Your parents and your younger brother help you to carry your stuff up four flights of steps, 25 trips until it is all there. Your mom makes your bed. Your dad constructs the closet organizers. Your brother sits on the bed and asks questions. "Where do you go to the bathroom? Where does he sleep when he comes to visit?"

The door is open so that you can watch the people who will be your neighbors haul their belongings. You say hello to each one that passes, as one of them is bound to be a future friend.

Then, a mysterious figure appears in the doorway. He/she says hello and "you must be my roommate." Your parents introduce themselves and your younger brother. Your father asks if he can help them to carry anything. You notice that they have brought a broom and dust-pan. Cleanliness is good. The small talk continues for what seems to be hours.

Then, you walk your parents to their car and kiss them goodbye, even your brother. Your mom cries. Your dad says to "make him proud." Your brother asks if he can have your room. They get in the car and drive off. You wave until their car is out of sight. Suddenly, you find yourself in a place 200 miles from home. The person with the broom and the dust pan upstairs is now the person you will come home to every night.

You head up 4 flights of stairs to make some more small talk... until you start to find common ground. Perhaps, it won't be so bad. Some Tips to follow on your First Day

Make sure you do all of these prior to or on your first day:

  1. Find out where your roommate is from and let him/her know where you are from.
  2. Offer a common item that your roommate can use, like the vacuum.
  3. Decide together what the best room set-up is for the both of you.
  4. Let your roommate know of any strange sleep habits you may have (and find out about his/hers!).
  5. Make a list of things that you have both forgotten and need to purchase as common items for your room.
  6. Let him/her know what type of person you are. This gives you a chance to let them know if they should be quiet when they come home at 3 a.m.
  7. Listen. The best way to learn is to listen.
  8. Make a true attempt to make the best of the situation you have been handed. You might just learn something...and...you may just make a life-long friend.