I never planned on rooming with Lauren. We’re both freshmen and have known each other for 13 years, since kindergarten. All my life I never even imagined us going to the same college.
And then we both decided on UMass. Again, rooming together was never really considered—we both figured we’d meet someone at our spring NSO or via the Facebook group. We both wanted to branch out and everyone said bringing high school to college was a bad idea.
And then, when neither of us did end up finding anybody and the deadline drew near, we both had a mini-panic attack; random roommates seemed so daunting. Of course, it seems really trivial now, but the whole concept of this massive life change was so overwhelming that we both wanted to have a bit of a safety blanket from home with us for the transition.
While living with Lauren has been overwhelmingly positive, rooming with your best friend definitely has its share of ups and downs.
Pro: Things were never awkward. Even from the day you moved in, there was no adjustment period, which definitely came in handy.
Con: You might lean on her too much—there is none of the necessity of finding new friends when you already have one that you know will always be there.
Pro: Your closets have already been morphed into one; now you have twice as many clothes!
Con: She can tell your new friends all the embarrassing stories and things from your childhood, or things you were hoping to just forget.
Pro: There’s always someone who knows your true personality and can call you out when you’re trying too hard.
Con: But if you are trying to reinvent yourself it becomes difficult when your best friend is around to regularly remind you of your past.
Pro: No matter what, you love your best friend and are thankful that they are with you for this new chapter of your life.
Would you room with your best friend? Let us know @HerCampusUMass.