It all started when Liz sent me a direct message on Twitter. The rest is history. We selected each other as roommates for our freshman year of college, and I couldn't be happier. I can't imagine having absolutely no idea what I'd be walking into when I stepped foot into my dorm. There's nothing more relieving than knowing that you already have one friend on campus, but there are even more perks you might not have thought about that might motivate you to open up to the person you'll share a room the size of a cereal box with.
1. There's no awkward silence after the parents are gone.
The door is closed, and now it's just the two of you. Thankfully, my roommate, Liz, and I already knew each other, so it felt more like getting dropped off to stay at a friend's house and not like I just picked up and moved my life a full state away. If I hadn't had much previous contact with the person living five feet across the room from me, I know the isolation and loneliness would have started to creep in. Instead, we just caught each other up from the last time we spoke. If you can, go out to coffee and get a feel for the person you chose (or were assigned). If you live far away, send a DM/text/private message and say hey! Why talk about the weather once you're all alone when you could've traded numbers months ago and be talking about the crazy thing you and your home--BFFs did last weekend??
2. You have a second family built in already.
There was something really satisfying about seeing the pictures Liz was hanging up and actually knowing who was in them. Her mom's pasta sauce was now in our freezer and I got the immediate invitation from the family to stay over any weekend Liz went home. This also means double the help with unpacking and double the hugs when it was time for parents to leave. Extra advice is always welcome, especially when you're moving out for the first time. Word to the wise: make sure your parents don't become such good friends with your roommate's parents that they forget all about the two of you. Liz and I are survivors.
3. There's someone familiar to help you navigate the world on campus.
If I have to look stupid in front of anyone, I definitely want it to be someone I know. That's why when I'm walking around with my phone three inches from my nose trying to read the map, I'm glad it's Liz next to me. I feel like less of the "lost freshman" with her by my side. It also helps to make those twenty minute treks across campus more bearable if you have someone to chat with when you're trying to discover a more efficient route to your classes. Your feet might hurt, but at least you didn't have to ask for directions.
4. You already have an idea of their preferences.
Liz and I are both only children, so shifting from life alone to having another human being in the same room is quite the adjustment. What made my transition smoother was knowing her likes and dislikes ahead of time. For me, I learned I could point my fan away from her since she's cold natured and make everyone more comfortable. Eliminating friction is crucial to keeping things stress-free. It's way easier to compromise when you know the person on a deeper level than just their name and major. (PS- Your room will look way cooler if you can coordinate, and shampoo is way cheaper to buy in bulk for both of you!)
Even if you're not the most outgoing person, it's completely worth reaching out to the girl or guy you'll be spending most of your time with throughout the year. Personally, I'd hate it if words ran dry or I didn't know how to relate my roommate at all. Getting to know them before you're forced to be with them 24/7 eliminates all that. Understanding that you're both on the same place in life and that confusing journey towards getting that degree is so important to keeping the peace. If you're lucky, you might just get a friend out of the deal. I sure did.
