If you're living on campus when you go off to college, one of the most exciting things is getting a roommate. You may be a little nervous about who it is. What if you have never me or have anything in common? It could be that you listen to country music and all they listen to is Nickelback? But fear not! Many people living on campus have already found out who their future roomie will be, and I'm here to share five good things that I can think of about having a roommate in the fall.
1. You get to decorate your own place.
If you and your roomie want to coordinate, you can pick out colors or themes to make your dorm or apartment cohesive. You can even share each others' styles and exchange ideas. It is your mini house for the next school year!
2. You always have a Netflix buddy.
Don't want to go out? No problem - watch Netflix. Hard math test - relax watch Netflix. In the mood to watch chick flicks/romcoms all night? - Netflix. Needless to say, Netflix is pretty much the answer to everything, and now your don't have to watch your favorite TV shows by yourself.
3. Getting lost on your way to class isn't *as* embarrassing if you have a friend with you.
College can be a big place. The first week there can be intimidating, and you probably won't know your way around that well. Considering I got lost on the way to class more than once in my four years of high school at my small school of about 300 high schoolers, I anticipate getting lost more times than I'll want to admit in college. If you and your roommate have a class together or in the same building, walk together! You'll have someone to talk to, and someone to help figure out how to get to that building all the way across campus.
4. It's not fun to eat alone - and now you don't have to.
Whether it's in the cafeteria or in your dorm watching Netflix (see number two), you have someone to split a pizza with; there's no better way to bond than having food involved.
5. It's just nice to have someone to talk to.
Need advice about your boyfriend? Do you need help with a paper? Need help with thinking of a topic for your Odyssey article that's due that night? You can always ask your roomie. It's good to have someone to talk to. You don't have to share everything with them or tell them your darkest secrets, but you can get to know them, joke with them, and share your college experiences with them.
Just because you're rooming with someone does not mean you have to become best friends, but having a roommate can be a fun experience if you let it be. It may be a little awkward at first but keep an open mind. Use your time in college to make a new friend in your roomie, or if they are someone you already know, grow closer to them. College is about new experiences, and your roomie can be just the person to share those with!
