Key Takeaway
Choosing a college roommate is a big deal, and it’s important you feel confident in your decision. In the guide below, we will walk you through the who, what, where, when, why, and how for successfully choosing a roommate:
- Who will you know on campus?
- Who can you see yourself living with for the next year?
- What are you looking for in a roommate?
- What do you need to start doing now to be a good roommate?
- What ground rules do you expect to set with your roommate?
- Where are you looking for your roommate?
- Where do you plan on living?
- When is it time to start searching for a roommate?
- When should you apply for housing?
- Why do you want a roommate?
- Why should someone want to live with you?
- How do you get a good, random roommate?
Source: Flickr user tulanesally.
After applying to multiple colleges, waiting (forever) for those response letters, and finally accepting admission to the school you’re going to attend in the fall, you might think the hardest part is behind you. However, as the anticipation that comes with the thought of being a college student becomes more real, there is still one major thing you need to figure out before you can make the transition: who are you going to room with?
That’s right—you not only have to decide where you’re going to live, but who you’re going to live with. But not to worry, we’ve created this guide on how to choose a college roommate so you feel confident (and maybe even a little excited) for the year ahead.
A Guide To Finding a Roommate
There are quite a few things to consider when selecting a roommate. Before you commit, it’s worth asking the right questions to ensure you’re making your choice with confidence. Here’s the who, what, where, when, why, and how for successfully navigating the roommate selection process.
Who Will You Know on Campus?
Are you going to school somewhere close to home with some familiar faces, or are you starting fresh in a place where you won’t know anyone? If you already know some people at your school, you might consider rooming with someone you’re comfortable with to make the transition feel smoother. But maybe you want to room with someone new to expand your circle and experience something different. Asking yourself this question can help you find the balance and know exactly how much of “home” you’re going to need with you.
Who Can You See Yourself Living With for the Next Year?
Before you say yes to just anyone, take some time to reflect (seriously) on who you can see yourself living with. If you’ve had your own room up until now, sharing a small space (and let’s be honest—it will be small) is quite the adjustment. Choosing your own roommate is a big decision, but it also comes with many benefits, so choose someone you genuinely click with.
This all starts with being honest with yourself. Consider your habits and what personalities you might clash with. Trust us, a little self-awareness now can save you a lot of stress later!
What Are You Looking for in a Roommate?
Now that you’ve reflected on your own habits and preferences, it’s time to get specific about what you’re looking for in someone else. What qualities matter most to you in a shared living space? Maybe you prefer to live with someone who is clean and quiet. Or maybe you’re looking for a new BFF to explore the big city with. Maybe you want someone who has a similar schedule and study habits to yours. To ensure you are successful living on your own, be honest and upfront about what is going to help you feel focused and supported.
What Do You Need To Start Doing Now So You Can Be a Good Roommate?
When you’re choosing a roommate, keep in mind that they aren’t the only part of the equation. They have to choose you, too. Now’s a great time to reflect on your own habits. Are there little things you might want to work on before move-in day? Maybe it’s taking the summer to practice washing your dirty dishes after eating or turning the TV volume down after 10 p.m. You want to be the kind of roommate that someone is excited to live with, so take the time to build good habits now.
What Ground Rules Do You Expect To Set With Your Roommate?
Even if you’re compatible with your roommate, you can still run into issues if you don’t set expectations and boundaries early on. Before you move in, you’ll want to plan some time to lay out the dorm rules. How will you divide chores? Are guests welcome anytime, or should there be a heads-up? What does “quiet time” mean to each of you? Know that this communication can help prevent conflicts and disagreements later on in the year.
Where Are You Looking for Your Roommate?
Rome was not built in a day, and neither are good roomie relationships. Where you are searching for your roommate can have a big impact on whether or not you find a good match. A great place to start looking is through social media outlets like Facebook or Instagram. Facebook will typically have plenty of groups that you can join and talk to other incoming freshmen. You can also find a roommate over orientation weekends or scholarship days. Take your time with this and know what you are looking for to make the process go smoother.
Where Do You Plan On Living?
Something else to keep in mind when you’re looking for a roommate is where you want to live. Apart from the traditional dorm-style room, you’ll also find Greek life, co-ed housing, apartment-style housing, and suites. Consider first where you want to live, and then look for a potential roommate who is looking for the same thing.
If you’ve decided to apply for a Living Learning Community (LLC), know that your roommate has to be part of it, too. If this is the case, it might help to be randomly paired with someone else who has also applied for the LLC.
When Is It Time To Start Searching for a Roommate?
It’s never too early to start looking for a roommate. As soon as you’ve committed to a college or university, the next big step is figuring out housing. If you’re trying to find your own roommate instead of putting your fate into the hands of the random selection, then you should start your search as soon after committing as possible.
When Should You Apply for Housing?
On a similar note, you should pay the fee to hold your spot and apply for housing as soon as you’ve made your decision. The sooner you apply for housing, the more likely you are to get your first dorm choice. Check with your school’s housing team to see what their policies are. In some cases, you can apply for housing before having chosen a roommate and then add them later, whereas others require that you list your roommate on your housing application.
Why Do You Want a Roommate?
Take a step back and ask yourself: Why do I want a roommate in the first place? Is it because you are looking for a roommate to be part of your new social circle? Or are you looking for someone to be there when you get home at the end of a long day? Are you willing to live with someone who doesn’t have the same habits, interests, and expectations as you? Thinking through these questions can help you clarify your priorities and ensure you choose a roommate who aligns with your lifestyle, making your college experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
Why Should Someone Want To Live With You?
Flip the question above: Why should someone want to live with you? What are you bringing to this roommate relationship? Are you the listening ear, supportive shoulder, or microwave sous chef? Are you funny, organized, helpful, or motivating? What is it about you that would make someone say, “yep, I want to live with them”? Think about these things before you try “selling yourself” to a potential roomie.
How Do You Get a Good Random Roommate?
If you’re going the route of the random roommate, know that it’s not a total game of chance. Your college will most likely have some type of questionnaire that you can fill out to match you with someone who fits your lifestyle and preferences. It usually includes questions like: “What time do you usually go to bed,” “Where do you prefer to study,” “Do you keep your space clean or are you more messy,” etc. When you’re answering these questions, be as honest as possible. If there’s something you’re dead set against (e.g., a roommate who smokes), you can mark that and you will not be paired with someone who fits that criteria. Who knows, a random roommate might just become a friend for life!
Choosing a roommate can feel like a big deal—after all, this is going to be the person you share a very small space with for the next year! As you work through the questions above, just be honest with yourself and really consider the type of person you would live best with. And know this, if it’s not working out, there are options to switch rooms.
Take a deep breath and remember to have fun with it! Be open to meeting new people and trying new things. Sometimes, the best roommates are the ones who are completely different from you. Trust that it’ll all work out. Because more often than not, it does!
Before you can pick a roommate, you’ve got to pick the college that’s right for you. Use College Raptor’s College Match tool and start discovering personalized college matches, cost estimates, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid for schools that interest you!
