Alright so you made your decision about the University that you will attend (go you!) but now it’s time to figure out who you'll be living in a small "room" with next year. Here are six super secret ways to make this scary step a little bit easier.
- Join your University’s class Facebook page.
- This step is crucial because these are more than likely going to be the people who you’ll be starting this next chapter in your life with.
- Meeting people online is as easy as it gets (it doesn't get much easier than clicking a "like" button, am I right?)
- Helpful tip: Sit back and lurk. Read those condensed biographies that people post, maybe hit the “like” button on a few of them
- Post one of those seemingly repetitive biographies about yourself.
- You can’t expect to find a roommate if you don’t put your name out there for people to click on.
- Helpful tip: Do not over think this, just type what you’re all about. If you’re naturally a funny person, then it will show through.
- Answer most of the messages you receive.
- Think about it this way: how would you feel if you took the time to type up an introductory message to a complete stranger, only to see that it has been opened with no reply?
- Take the small amount of time necessary to respond a positive message back to them.
- This step is crucial because you could potentially be responding to your future roommate.
- Helpful tip: Give the person at least 3-6 messages before ruling them out completely.
- Move to the texting stage.
- Whether this means giving your number out, or following through when someone gives you their number, this step is important to further your mission. Try to be selective with who you are at this stage with.
- Helpful tip: Show interest and keep the conversations going. It is OK to totally talk about random topics, you never know what will spark the conversation. Try to stray away from one worded answers and/or close-ended questions, you need to show that you genuinely want to get to know them
- Stalk their social media. But it's OK because they're doing it too.
- Helpful hint: Remember that some people portray themselves differently online than in person. To me, I knew I didn't want someone with a "negative" social media reputation because if they're mean online then usually they will be like that in person.
- P.S. don't freak out if you accidentally "like" their picture from 15 weeks ago, without a doubt they looked at yours from that far back too.
- Make the first move.
- It's important to not waste anyone’s time.
- Do not assume you are roommates, even if you have been talking for weeks. Somebody needs to confirm it.
- Helpful hint: If you decide you don’t want to room with them, then you have to be honest.
I really hope that you found this post helpful as you evoke on this journey of roommate searching. I hope that you find a roomie who is everything you wanted them to be and that you become best friends like every college student hopes for.
