I am the definition of a horror story when it comes to roommates. Whether its been random roommates or my best friend, I have had more bad experience than good. I have lived on campus at USI for four years and I've had six different roommates. This is what I've learned:
1. People will complain about absolutely everything.
You were out having fun with your friends and came in at midnight ... you were too late. You snore when you're sleeping: oh, better get that taken care of. You didn't do the dishes in the sink that weren't yours: you better do them anyways. You will never please people, and if you do ... well, let's be real, you won't.
2. You truly do not have privacy.
You want to tell your mom about your annoying roommate at school or listen to how grandma's cat is doing? You better be prepared for everyone else to hear. Even your upstairs neighbors and their neighbors will hear you. Privacy doesn't happen much around here, unless you go to your car. Your boyfriend is in town for the weekend and you would love to enjoy some cuddle time with him? Not without everyone coming in getting a book, looking for a pencil, telling you about Kyle, your neighbor, and whatever else they decided to do.
3. People are disgusting.
Ninety-nine percent of the time you will clean up for yourself, roommate, suitemates, your friends, and their friends. The funny thing is, nobody will know who used the pan that still has macaroni and cheese in it or who left the milk out on the counter. It all just magically happens on its own. Just prepare yourself to pick it up on your own or just go on about your business. Be real, you'll pick it up.
4. Do NOT leave notes.
Just don't be passive-aggressive. It truly doesn't work and it only makes your problems worse. Open your mouth and tell them they are disgusting and need to clean up after themselves.
5. You will always yearn for home.
In my case, I called home at least four times a day, if not more. Of course, as time went on, it became a little less. I still found myself yearning for the smell of my house, the feel of my mom's hugs, and the dog hair everywhere. It didn't matter how old I was, I was still homesick and a weekend trip was just never long enough.
6. There is nothing like your own bed.
The first thing you will do is go in, throw your stuff on the floor, and flop down on your bed. You will then probably spend at least 65% of your time at home in your bed, by yourself, enjoying your privacy. Ahhhh silence ... and clean sheets.
7. You will love them and hate them all at the same time.
You will find yourself going to your roommate for just about everything, even if you tell yourself you don't like them. You will keep trying to because, well, you have to live with them. It is a constant inner-battle and they don't help.
8. Living with your best friend isn't always the best.
You will think that living with your best friend is, hands down, the best thing you could ever do, especially if you want to avoid the idea of a random roommate. However, she won't be your best friend at the end of the semester or that year. College changes people and everyone goes their separate ways, eventually. If she is your best friend, then give each other a pat on the back and say, "We made it." May the odds be ever in your favor.
9. Speak your mind.
If you're like me, then you think honesty is the best policy. When something is bothering you, let your roommate know, even if it is not about them. When people know how you are feeling, they are more likely to understand and give you the benefit of the doubt. If it is about them, tell them. Fix it together. It will work out if you talk about it.
10. Don't let them stop you from enjoying college.
My biggest mistake was letting my roommates decide my mood and how I went through my first year of college. I quickly learned that not everyone is going to like you and vice versa. Keep doing the things you enjoy and find other people to hang out with. You go to a university with thousands of other people, and a lot of them are in your shoes, too. Get out there and go for it.
