Transitioning into college is such a weird, confusing and uneasy experience for just about everyone. Especially when some of us are moving three hours away from home and no one from home is there or going there too. Not only do we have to deal with the stress of packing everything, registering for classes and getting everything lined up with financial aid; we have to worry about who our roommate is going to be.
Before I moved to college for my freshman year, I was able to look up who was going to be my roommate. After finding out her name, I was able to talk to her on social media and plan things to bring for the dorm with her prior to move in day. That helped with some of the stress, but still I was going to live and share a bathroom with a total stranger! To this day, this concept blows my mind. I am now a sophomore and I still live with that random roommate. My random roommate became my absolute best friend in the entire world. So here is some advice before you completely freak out about random roommates as a freshman or even as an upper classman like I did.
Contact them before move in day.
As I mentioned earlier, this really helps. You can talk about what you both plan on bringing. That way you don’t end up with two microwaves or two TVs. You could even coordinate bedding or bathroom stuff! Contacting your roommate also helps put a name with a face. That way when you see them, you know exactly who they are!
Have a routine.
Once you are all moved in, having a routine really helps. Establishing who is going to take out the trash this week or who is going to clean the bathroom this week helps eliminate conflict, share responsibilities and keeps your space tidy.
Know each other’s schedule.
This is a big one. Especially if you share a washer and dryer or a bathroom. My roommate and I have a white board in our room and we write down our schedules at the beginning of the semester that way we can learn our own and each other’s. This also keeps away conflict. No one likes to be woken up from someone being loud. No one likes having to wait around to use the washing machine. It is also just good to know where they are at sometimes!
Talk it out.
Conflict is going to happen. It’s inevitable. Letting it boil up inside and never saying anything about the things that bother you though, is not the way to solve the issue. We’re all adults! So talk it out like a mature adult! Most of the time this is easier said than done, but it makes life so much easier!
Spend time with each other.
Having a roommate whose schedule doesn’t clash with yours and is friendly is a good thing. However, having a roommate who is your best friend is a completely different ballgame. It just makes college life so much more fun. You will never know though if that person could be your best friend if you never spend time with each other!