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Life Lessons From my Freshman Year Roomie

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at South Carolina chapter.

My oh my, where do I begin with this one?

For starters, I was not an only child growing up, but I guess you could say I have always been a little spoiled. (Yes, daddy’s little girl…and mommy’s too?) So I was less than excited when it came time to pack up all of my belongings (sh*t) and move into a dorm (closet). And then, to add to all of that chaos, I was supposed to live with a girl I “knew” only from stalking her on Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook over the last few months? Super!

I was very nervous. What if she didn’t get my sense of humor? What if she burped in her sleep? The potential catastrophes were LIMITLESS!

But in just the first few months, I came to realize that my roommate, JM, wasn’t just a subpar, normal roommate. She was truly a blessing from baby Jesus himself. Here’s why:

1.When I lost my cool over the littlest things, she reminded me that everything was OKAY. For example, me not getting Starbucks that day was, in fact, not the end of the world. She was always bringing me back to earth from hell, Narnia, Lexi-Land…I don’t know where I was, okay?

2. You don’t have to go through life checking things off your To-Do List. I guess you could call JM a free spirit; some may even say a mermaid.

3. Sometimes you have to help each other out. I cannot understand math for the life of me. And, no, it’s not just that “I struggle with it,” I mean it literally blows my mind. So, JM and I came to the conclusion early on that she would help me with math and I would help her with writing. Two peas in a pod, eh?

4. The importance of communication. If you don’t talk things out when you’re bothered, things can get B-A-N-A-N-A-S. FYI it is impossible not to have a single disagreement when you’re living with someone. If you talk it out, you will laugh at whatever happened– it was probably over something silly like a loaf of bread. Just say what you feel!

5. It’s ok to cry over a boy. Even though boys drool and they’re from Jupiter. Your roommate will be there to make fun of him and turn those sad tears into happy ones.

6. Sharing is caring. Your closet, my closet. Your makeup, my makeup. Your food, my food. Your heart, my heart.

7. How to be a real life adult. JM had a way of getting all of her homework done and still having time to hit the gym and go out at night. AKA JM knews how to prioritize, and boy did she keep me in line!

Saving the best for last here:

8. She will always call you out on your BS. No, Lexi that dress is not flattering. No, Lexi, not doing your homework is a bad idea. And most importantly: No, Lexi, it is not okay to eat 3 (or 6) quesadillas today, or any other day.

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Lexi Hill

South Carolina '18

Lexi is a senior at the University of South Carolina studying multimedia journalism. After graduation, she hopes to move to the city where she can pursue a creative career and grow old with her pet pug.
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Kristina Zagame

South Carolina

Born and raised right outside the great city of Boston. Senior at the University of South Carolina. Major: Broadcast Journalism. Minor: Sport and Entertainment Management. Interests include traveling, storytelling, and trying to squeeze in naps. Biggest pet peeve: being told, "no." Instagram & Twitter: @kzagame GO COCKS!