It’s that time of year at Emmanuel! ResLife’s housing selection for the Fall 2021 semester has begun. If you’re a freshman or new transfer student, this process can feel intimidating. Choosing a roommate is a big decision! Studies show that the people we share living spaces with can greatly impact our academic success as well as our physical and emotional health. Scientists from Marquette University—who refer to this phenomenon as “The Roommate Effect”—observed that roommates are likely to take on each other’s personality traits and habits. Sometimes this was a net positive, especially for first-year college students. For example, more consistent physical exercise, a higher GPA, and overall happier moods were all factors that could “transfer” from one roommate to another. On the flip side though, binge drinking, unhealthy relationships with food, constant video gaming, and depressive traits were also things people could be influenced by if they lived with someone who engaged in those behaviors. Needless to say, picking the person you want to live with is important, and you’ll want to consider all your options before jumping in. This article will go over how to choose a roommate. Whether you use the Emmanuel housing portal questionnaire, or you decide to live with a friend, here’s what you need to know:
Going Random:
Deciding to “go random” for your roommate selection can be a great way to open yourself to new experiences. Like any roommate, there is always risk involved that you could be placed with someone you just don’t click with. However, many college students say that sharing a room with someone you don’t have an existing friendship with can take some of the pressure off. For example, people may find it more difficult to confront their close friends about habits or behaviors within the living space because they don’t want to negatively affect the friendship as a whole. But with someone they don’t know as well, those conversations can be easier and more effective when the existing friendship is not a factor.
To “go random” at Emmanuel isn’t entirely random. The questions you answer through the housing questionnaire will include things like your ideal sleeping conditions, how often you expect to host guests, and whether you consider yourself a night owl or a morning lark. Using this questionnaire gives you the opportunity to be matched with someone who shares your priorities. Even if you don’t become best friends, your living environment will be amicable if you go in with the same expectations.
The fundamental aspects of living together tend to be the most important, so be as honest as possible on the housing questionnaire and don’t be afraid to add some personal information about yourself in the comment box provided—this is how Emmanuel’s ResLife team will pair you up with compatible roommates. Not only will the housing team try to match you with someone who shares your lifestyle preferences, but by providing some details about your interests and hobbies, you might end up with someone who becomes your best friend.
Rooming with a Friend:
For lots of students, choosing a friend to room with can feel like the safe option, when leaving something up to chance feels too risky. While it may eliminate the surprise of a random roommate, living with a friend can pose a different set of challenges. When considering whether to live with a friend, you might come across the saying “good friends don’t always make good roommates.” This can be true, in that having a close friendship with someone will not automatically make the two of you compatible roommates. Don’t we all have a friend that stays up until 3AM every night, their room is always a mess, and they love to blast music at full volume? We love hanging out with that friend and having fun with them, but living with them might be taxing, and could end up ruining the friendship altogether.
That’s not to say it’s impossible to live with your BFF. If you and a friend are both enthusiastic about living together, it can be done! There are conversations you’ll want to have and questions to ask each other before committing to sharing a living space. Some sample questions can be found on the Emmanuel College website, in the Campus Life section under “Roommate Tips,” like
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Which of your belongings can and cannot be borrowed?
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When are visitors and friends welcome, and for how long?
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How neat do you expect the room to be?
Important considerations when rooming with a friend are how you anticipate resolving issues. No matter how close the two of you are, there’s bound to be things you disagree on when living in such close quarters. When we live with our friends, we may be inclined to let things slide even when they bother us, thinking it will help keep the environment civil. Discussing a system for when these disagreements may arise could save you from a passive aggressive spiral.
You and your friend might even consider drafting a roommate agreement for both of you to sign. Though it may feel overly formal, a roommate agreement is a great way to open up the conversation between friends about which living factors are the most important to them.
Other Ways to Find a Roommate:
If you prefer to find a roommate outside the housing questionnaire, but don’t have anyone specific in mind, there are some ways you can reach out. A good first step is to ask around any Emmanuel communities you feel comfortable in, like recreational clubs, study groups, or classes. Events organized by the RA’s in your current dorm building are also great places to get to know other students who might be looking for roommates.
Emmanuel will host a virtual roommate mingle on both April 8th and 12th, which will connect students seeking roommates for the Fall 2021 semester. Even if you plan to live with a friend next semester, you will need to fill out the housing questionnaire and submit the subsequent deposit before March 31st. For more information, check the “Room Selection” section of the EC website, for FAQs, form deadlines, and key dates.
A virtual information session on housing will be held on March 24th for additional questions.
No matter who you choose to live with, make sure to explore all your options, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! With open communication and honesty, your roommate could be a friend for life.