I can understand finding your soulmate with a tiny bio and swoon worthy photos that make you swipe right. Besides, if you meet up and find prince charming is an actual frog, you can run away before appetizers just be sure both shoes stay on your feet.
I however, didn't understand how you can find a best friend and roommie with only a few questions and a digital conversation. After all how truthful are you going to be on a survey that asks, "how messy are you?" And this long term living relationship is suppose to make it for a semester or two.
As a new high school graduate (in 2014) I found the roommate app to be super exciting. It was a way for me to talk and make friends with people who were just as excited for college as I was. Unfortunately I had to go random, as I changed my school choice right before fall.
This semester I have had the opportunity to 'virtually' meet a few of my roommates via a Facebook page. I really enjoyed getting to know the girls and I am so excited to meet them 'in real life' next week!
My advice is don't be afraid to go random, but if you have the opportunity to use a roommate finder, it doesn't hurt to take a look. Happy roommate searching..."and may the odds ever be in your favor"- The Hunger Game!
Tips to keep in mind while roommate searching
1. Focus on the LIVING component: I know it's hard not to get wrapped up in finding someone who obsesses over Harry Potter as much as you do, but this app isn’t about just finding friends. It’s about finding someone who will hopefully be on the same sleep schedule, who will want the room at a temperature you will like or at least can tolerate. There is nothing worse than catching frostbite because your roommate is Jack Frost!
- Prioritize: If your school or program has multiple buildings and you get to choose, you may want to consider what is important to you. You may start talking to a cool roommate prospect and find out you both want different buildings. Is having your top location more important than living with this new friend? Take time to consider if that 30 minute walk everyday is really worth it, when living somewhere else you can get to class in 10 minutes! You may just have to be besties and not roomies.
Be Honest: Although filling out any paper work feels daunting take your time and make sure to be honest with your answers. This includes explaining answers if you have the opportunity! Also if you are filling out a scale try to avoid being neutral and falling in the middle. If your writing a bio about yourself add a fun fact or something that will make you standout and add interests that someone else may have. It's amazing the friendships I have made because I said I love Doctor Who!- "Whats my Age Again"- Blink 182: As long as your program or college doesn’t have 21+ rooms, don’t let age determine who you choose. My first roommate was 21 and a transfer student. I have no idea how I would have gotten through the first semester with out her great advice!
Be Open Minded: It doesn't matter if you go with a roommate or choose someone you already know. College (and well life) is all about trying new things and learning from various situations. Whether its your first time away from home (or not) enjoy this new "home away from home!"
