Collegiettes, we have begun mastering life with a roommate. Living in close quarters has taught me that my hair sheds way more than I expected (mine is brown and my roommate’s is blonde so clearly I know which one belongs to me), that it literally takes motivation to make my bed, and that if I hang up my clothes (instead of leaving them on the floor) then that is a job well done.
It’s a common stereotype that roommates will eventually learn to despise each other (prime example = eating each other’s food without asking or leaving a trail of messes). I bought into that for a while. I didn’t want to get too close to her. I was afraid that my heart would get broken if we would cease being friends. Then we would be forced to coexist and live together for the remainder of the year.
What I have learned is that roommates can be friends and have their own groups of friends, too. This way, we can bond with our roomies in a plethora of ways where we stay close and branch out all at the same time. Here are some of my tips for bonding with your roomie:
Get a pet
My roommate and I have this fabulous idea that we want to raise a pet goldfish! We have the perfect location for our fish bowl (next to our printer on the dresser in between our desks). We are waiting on brainstorming a name — the name has to fit the fish’s personality of course. If only Wake allowed us to have puppies…
Do something a little crazy
My roommate and I discovered a few days ago that we both want to get the same area pierced on our cartilage and on the same ear. Coincidence? I think not! We are planning to eventually get to Claire’s or something to get matching holes in our ears!
Study together
Both of us like studying in our room so we will each play DJ. Sometimes I rock out to my Bruno Mars playlist (he is the man and my future husband). Or she will introduce me to the world of country music with all its pickup trucks and runaway love stories. This way, we can gush about our fav songs and continue getting to know each other through our tastes in music.
Watch football
Everyone has their hometown pride and loves watching their team represent. One night, I cheered on the Giants to support my roomie’s hometown team. Another time, she and I watched the dankest rivalry in the NFL: Bears v. Packers. We chill together and show our love for our cities’ teams.
Roommates don’t have to fall into the trap of hating each other. Stereotypes are just that: stereotypes. Besides, I would much rather have a good time with my roommate than try to protect myself and keep up a barrier. And then we can get a fish. How can anyone be sad about getting a fish?!