One of the most important and fun steps in the college process is choosing your roommate. Some universities give you the option of being able to choose your roommate. This gives students the chance to be able to talk to other classmates beforehand and make new relationships. Other schools do not give their students this option and will randomly pair two people together. This can lead to problems between them if they do not have a lot in common. They might not agree on many important issues that could then have a big impact on their living situation.
To avoid this hassle, if your school allows you to choose your roommate beforehand, do your research and find your perfect roommate. Here are some steps to follow when you begin your search.
1. Take a personality quiz.
Some schools offer a special test that involves answering a few simple questions about your interests and personality. The results from this test will then pair you up with many different people who have similar results on the test. The program and test that is used is very helpful in determining your future roommate because you get to see a snapshot of who they are and what kind of person they are. This program also allows you to create a profile including your likes and dislikes and pictures of yourself to create a snapshot of who you are and what you like to do.
2. Start chatting with your matches.
Once you are paired up with other people, start messaging some of them and make conversation. It can sound awkward at first, but it is a fun process. You can meet so many people on these sites and start talking to them instantly. Some of the people that you meet on the site can become some of your greatest friends on campus. It just takes one message to begin a friendship.
3. Ask the right questions.
When you start conversations with your matches, keep in mind important questions that you would want answered. Ask questions that pertain to your future living situation and how they would react in different situations. A popular question that is frequently asked by people is how they feel about overnight guests. The response to this question could be a deal breaker, so make sure to ask this among other questions. These questions create different scenarios that could potentially cause problems in your dorm. You want to avoid as many problems between you and your roommate as possible. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. You are trying to get to know a new person!
4. Make a decision.
Once you have talked extensively with your potential roommate, you must make a decision. If you feel absolutely sure about your choice, ask the other person in a kind way and wait for their response. Don't be scared or lose hope if they do not answer right away. Be patient! It is a big decision to make and sometimes cannot be made overnight.
5. Start talking about other important decisions.
When you finally choose your roommate, start discussing who brings what to the dorm room, like a microwave or fridge. Lack of communication can cause a lack of storage space in your room. Remember that a dorm room is not very big, so be smart and organize what to bring. If you are interested in decorating your room in a collaborative way, also discuss different creative ways in doing so.
6. Have fun!
College is said to be the best four years of your life, so make the most of it! It can take some time to adjust, but you will slowly find your friend groups and your place. You will never want to leave!
