We've all heard nightmare-like stories about random roommates during college. Going into my fall semester of freshman year I was nervous to meet my three roommates. The four of us seemed very different and I was curious to see how our personalities would mesh.

As we are about to wrap up half of a year living together, here are some of the reasons I am truly thankful I chose to room with 3 strangers.

1. I knew nothing about them.

While having friends you know well enough you could tell their entirelife story yourself is awesome, getting to know someone brand new is so interesting. I got to hear all of their crazy, sad, funny stories that made them who they are today.

We quite literally had a whole lifetime to catch up on; at least 18 years worth of memories and stories. This was entertaining as we all came from different cities (one a different country) so we got to learn all about life in different areas.

This goes the other way as well...

2. They knew nothing about me.

Not always, but often when someone chooses a roommate they knew previously, they might feel as though they can't change from who they were when they first met that person. This can be dangerous as college is your time to grow and find out who you truly are. Like I said, this isn't always the case, but sometimes it can be.

I loved that I had three fresh sets of ears to hear all of my crazy, sad, funny stories that made me who I am today. I was able to figure out who I truly was when I came here. I could be the person I wanted to be as they didn't know me and didn't have any preconceived ideas of what I should be like.

This is also good when it comes to needing advice. Having people that don't have any bias or previous opinions about your situations can be helpful. You have an outsider's voice, and most of the time it is correct.

3. I made three lifelong friends.

Had the four of us attended the same high school I could semi-confidently tell you we wouldn't have run in the same crowds... which is so awesome. Choosing to live with three diverse girls has taught me so much more about different lifestyles, hobbies, and passions.

One is a free-spirited, big-hearted, earth-loving surfer girl. One is a hard-working, determined, quirky, future doctor. One is an avid music lover with a gentle heart who always keeps a smile on our faces. Together we make up not only one amazing dorm but a strong support system for one another.

I am very thankful my random "roommates story" did not end up in the horror category. I am blessed to have made such strong friendships with some of the most diverse, beautiful, genuinely kind women I have ever met.