For all the freshman out there nervous about finding/meeting/living with their future roommates, you have every reason to be...and every reason not to be.
Personally, I went random and was assigned to my soon-to-be best friend Sarah. I immediately messaged her on Facebook asking her as many question as I could think of, telling her my life story, and beginning to plan who would bring what to our new home in room 424. We were blessed with an extra spacious, handicap room and an extra savvy RA right through the locked bathroom door in our room. We got along like two peas in a pod, who loved each other almost instantly (even after I broke her scissors on the first day and pretended to know nothing of it), stayed up late giggling too often, and parented each other on a regular basis. We were the lucky ones, because as we learned, not everyone had the relationship we had; not everyone had a new sister!
Whether you go random or pick your roomie, you are most likely filled with uncertainty about what it's going to be like actually living with someone that's not your family. Here is my advice to help make that person as close to family as possible, as soon as possible.
1. Set ground rules.
Have a certain bedtime? Is anything off limits? How late can guests stay? What is the policy on boys? Communication is key to successful relationship!
5. Don't lie to each other. Ever. Even if you break their scissors.
Plain and simple.
2. Give it to her straight.
In college, people go a little nuts. Lack of sleep + excess caffeine + loads of stress = a hot mess. It's your job to keep your roomie in check and you can expect her to do the same for you! You play a variety of roles ranging from Mom to personal stylist to therapist. Be willing to play all of them!
3. Share everything with each other.
Clothes, secrets, schedules, embarrassing stories, allergies, bad jokes, food, you name it. What's mine is yours is a great motto to bond you two!
4. Spend time together outside of the dorm room.
Go to dinner, join a club, go to the gym, gawk over the size of McGloin's elevator. Doing things together on and off campus will give you experiences and memories to share forever.
6. Respect each other's space.
Space is limited enough as it is, so make sure your mess is contained and your lamp isn't keeping your roomie awake late at night.
7. Support each other always!
You and your roomie will need a new support system now that you're away from home and will need to rely on each other to step up! Listen diligently, cuddle when necessary, bring her surprise candy, and give her your best advice!
While you may not become the best of friends, the effort you put towards your relationship from the get go will determine your success as roommates! As long as you're respectful, willing to share, and supportive of your new roomie, you could be as close as sisters in no time!
