Growing up with my own room, I did not really think about what it would be like to share a room, let alone sharing one with someone I didn't know very well. Living with someone else can be challenging sometimes, but a lot of us are lucky to find someone we work well with. That other person has the potential to teach you more about yourself than you've ever known and share experiences that have shaped them into who they are, with you. Little did I know that a few months later, my roommate would be my best friend and teach me things I could never learn in a lecture hall.
1. Love whenever you can.
Roommates show each other love in small ways, whether it's candy after a big test or an interview, helping you fold your laundry, doing your dishes, quizzing you for your exam the next day, or simply serenading you from the other side of the room. Lending a helping hand when you're living with someone can really brighten your day, as well as theirs, and you will grow closer because of it.
2. Sharing is caring.
Most of us probably learned this lesson from lots of parents and teachers way before we came to college, but we may not have had to put our sharing skills into action for quite some time. It is so much fun to share favorite memories, ideas, games, and even TV shows with your roommate. This type of sharing can be keys to getting to know the other person, and creating a really strong friendship. Also, at the end of the day, it is so much more fun to have two closets and two snack bins to choose from rather than one.
3. Patience
Though you both live in the same room, you're both living separate lives and have different struggles that come along with being in college. Being patient and giving each other space can be just what the other person needs sometimes.
4. Take care of yourself.
If there's anyone I can thank for being there to remind me to take care of myself at school, it's my roommate. I'm so lucky to have had someone who cared about me so much, and even took care of me when I wasn't feeling my greatest. Roommates are there to remind us it is more important to get a good night's sleep than stay up studying. And if we're lucky, they'll remind us to take our vitamins and drink lots of vitamin C, especially when our parents aren't there to nag us about it.
5. Let it go.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Chances are you are going to disagree sometimes throughout the year, but you both have learned to compromise. Being understanding of each other is much easier than staying mad at each other. After all, who else are you going to talk to about your day while you're getting ready for bed?
6. One of the best ways to relax is to have a little fun.
"Thank you for reminding me that it is OK to take a break, and after I have been studying for hours, bringing me a snack."
Some of the best memories in college are made during study breaks. Pulling out a board game, going to the gym, or watching the latest episode of your favorite TV show are perfect ways to get your mind off of our responsibilities for a little while.
7. What it is like to have a forever friend.
Chances are, your roommate knows things about you that you never expected they would! You made it through the whole year together, and you'll be close for a long time after. Leaving them for the summer or a long break can be sad, but you are excited for the adventures to come in the new year.
Looking back on the memories you have made together always puts a big smile on your face and reminds you how much you have truly grown up together. It is the best feeling to know that, through thick and thin, they will be there for you and always have your back, and you will have theirs.
