Roommates: the best part of your College experience, or arguably the worst. It can be intimidating to imagine living with another person. Will they snore? Will they share their care package from their Grandma? Will they invite you home on the long weekends? Will you cringe every time they open the door? No matter what- you have to live with them.
Lesson One: It's not just your room
Even if you two don't share a room with matching twin extra long beds, you still are in the same tight living quarters. Having never had to share a room and not having a sister, I was unsure of what to expect. You have to be willing to compromise with decorating, sleeping schedules, and if the lights can be on after 11 p.m.
Lesson Two: You'll either hate them or you'll love them
My Freshman year I did not win the roommate lottery. Sophomore year, Heidi was looking for a roommate and found me. I could not have asked for someone with better taste in music or a better personality. Now I share an apartment with girls who have become like my sisters, and it's like a reality show everyday.
Lesson Three: They spend more time with you than anyone else
It can be great to have a gym buddy, a study buddy, and someone to go to the Dining Hall with. Thursday nights are designated for Shondaland, and who could forget Bachelor Monday's?
Lesson Four: They know more about you than anyone else
From your allergies, to what shirt looks best on you, that boy in History class you are crushing on, or what your Dad used to call you when you were little. Your Roomie will know the difference between you not getting enough sleep or if you are having a bad day.
Lesson Five: Your belongings just don't belong to you
Remember that shirt that they said looks good on you? Turns out it looks good on her too. Having a roommate is like having an extra closet, cupboard full of food, and someone to split a carton of ice cream with.
Lesson Six: Not just your day to day lives become in sync
The way you talk, the things you say, the clothes you wear, and even your monthly friend will be in sync (...seriously though). Lucy and Ethel have nothing on you and your Roomie!
Lesson Seven: Confrontation isn't always easy
Did she have a friend over until 2 a.m. while you were trying to study? Confrontation is never easy. I would rather be passive aggressive and leave a note on the fridge. However you do it, it has to be done in order to move on and regain the peace in the room.
Lesson Eight: Someone has to clean the common area
Toothpaste in the sink, dirty dishes on the counter, and shoes thrown in front of the door. You both live there so she should be cleaning the mess too. Sometimes a text is all it takes for her to realize she could have taken the time before class to clean the dishes.
Lesson Nine: Sometimes they drive you crazy
I love my roommates dearly, but sometimes after a long day I just want to hide in my room. I've snapped on my roommates multiple times and always regretted it later. My room is the designated "hangout" and sometimes I just need my alone time, as do they.
Lesson Ten: They might become your best friend
After the messes, loud phone calls, borrowed clothes with stains, and having to buy the dishwasher detergent they forgot to get- I'm lucky. Every night is like a sleepover with the people you get to share memories with, make late night runs to Walmart with, eat more ice cream than you should have with, and who always have your back. Much thanks and love to my fabulous Roomies past and present- Alex, Emily, and Heidi. Thank you for all the lessons I can't even place into a list.
