Freshman year can be a nightmare, especially when you have no idea with whom you are rooming. Random selection can either be exceptionally bad or incredibly good. And no matter what, one's housing situation will contribute a large deal to the college experience. Luckily, I have had the pleasure of having wonderful roommates. One of the girls I lived with last year, Amy, I am currently living with again this year. I can safely say that our relationship has evolved since day one of our first year. Here are five things anyone with a repeated roommate will understand.
1. There is no need to ask permission.
For the first few months of rooming together, everyone is nervous about personal boundaries and private possessions. That will go away. Amy and I don't even need to ask to use something now. For example, I came home the other day to Amy clipping her nails with my nail clipper. I didn't even bat an eye, because I already told her she could use my stuff. Sometimes we ask each other, but it's more of a formality than anything. And only if we are both in the room.
2. "If I'm not awake by 9 a.m., kick me."
Usually, touching a sleeping person is a social taboo. But when you've lived together long enough, it doesn't matter anymore. I can't count the number of times I've said something like "Amy, I'm setting my alarm for 10 a.m.. I have a test. If I hit the snooze button, pour water on my face, kick me, do something. Just wake me up." We've even discussed having long sticks to poke each other with from across the room, although so far, we haven't needed to do that.
3. You don't have to worry about being overly polite.
In the first year, if I needed peace and quiet, I would very kindly say "Is it okay if I have quiet time in the room to study? If not, that's totally okay. I can sit out in the hallway or something." Now, it's more along the lines of "I need to study. Turn off the TV." It's nice to know that you are good enough friends that this will not put a strain on the relationship.
4. You start to know each other's families.
I eventually stopped saying "my dad" or "my sister" and now I just use their first names. Amy knows which family member I mean. And the same goes for me. It's just so much easier than saying "my brother's wife's sister's baby."
5. You get to experience a friendship like no other.
Not many friendships can survive living together. And those that do are strengthened. I am so grateful to have Amy as a roommate. I know that no matter what happens, I will always have her as a friend. And we have some great stories that can only be understood by us.
I love you! Thanks for putting up with me.
