How different could is be having a roommate in the real world, or post college, versus your roommate(s) from college? The Answer: very. You may not notice at first, however, when you do discover the differences you may begin to appreciate each for their ability to be there when you need them.
The Fridge
College: living with three of your best friends and their boyfriends (because let's be real, they were always at Sunday brunch) is one of the best times in your life. You also, if you guys are cool, are able to share food, recipes, baking pans, etc till you stuff your selves silly. Maybe you only had half of a shelf but you were making meals together all the time anyways.
Real World: it's just you and your roommate. Half of the fridge is not dedicated to beer and wine or the freezer to strawberry Smirnoff. Congratulations, you now have half of the fridge to fill with lunch supplies and the occasional roommate dinner. You probably didn't even realize how bad it was till now.
Dating
College: chances are your roommate in college knew the guy that you were going out on a first date with. Chances are her boyfriend was also in the same frat as him. Oh, and your other roommate had a class with him last semester. Basically, you have references and have already combed through his Facebook page, Instagram, and Twitter feed.
Real World: your roommate is now on speed dial because neither of you have ever met this person. You probably met him through Hinge or Tinder or Bumble and maybe you had one mutual friend from high school. Oh my god. You're going to be kid napped. That, or you're going to live happily ever after.
Weekends
College: the stress of college and your mean biology professor have driven you to the library every Sunday since before you can remember. It feels like you probably shouldn't have done a three day weekend because your five exams on Monday may not go as well as planned. Your roommate is sitting across from you and oh wait, she's asleep.
Real World: now that you are living off campus you can literally do anything you want for 48 hours. Actually you have 64 hours, because you have a "nine to five" so Friday night to bright and early Monday morning, to go anywhere. If you look acceptable at your Monday morning meeting no one cares that you spent every minute watching Game of Thrones. Or that you crossed the country for a music festival. It is weird to email back your colleague on Saturday afternoon while you're tailgating at your alma mater. Not only are you probably drinking but it is just not necessary.
Decorating
College: we all had (or were) the freshman roommate who called her new roommate, from a town she couldn't pronounce, about coordinating the bed covers with the rug and the curtains someone's dad was going to screw into the wall. There was a modge-podge of furniture and patterns but for some reason it worked. It looked great and it worked and pre games on your futon were the best. First step: big comfy pillow and cute planner.
Real World: now you have to look like an adult. This is not a bad thing but I would suggest actually using the 10 Pinterest pages you've created about your first apartment/city/job/life to decorate your new apartment. If colleagues or a new potential boyfriend or your parents come over it is nice to see the look of suprise on their face when they see how adult you are. Your roommate will be a huge part of this considering how much more room you have to make the place comfortable. First step: bar cart and waffle maker.
No matter who your roommate is you will be with them in different parts of your life so they will become essential.
Thank you so all my roommates in college and beyond for being you! Maya, Mimi, Ali, Maggie, Maelin, Ashley, Britta, Lauren, Becky, Shannon and Bailey.
