The off-campus life has got some big advantages: Cheap rent, bigger spaces, your own room. The list goes on. However, one aspect makes all the difference — you choose your roommate. Unlike on-campus living, where you are assigned to a living situation, once you get off campus, you can choose your housing companions.

This year, I was lucky enough to have an awesome roommate, fellow Odyssey writer Hailey Canady. She is someone who I now couldn’t imagine living without. Here are five reasons I love my awesome roomie!

1. She is hilarious!

Her humor is literally an antidote to any sadness. A unique blend of sarcasm, honesty, and wit, my roommate has made my life funny again. We share a low-key love of inappropriate jokes and obscure “SpongeBob” references. Pro-tip: Get yourself a roommate who “gets” you.

2. She really cares.

Unfortunately, we all have that one friend (well, maybe more) who doesn’t really care. Sure, you’ll grab coffee with them — but you never go deep. My roommate, however, is the complete opposite: We can spend hours together, contemplating our lives, school, politics, existence itself. She has always been there for me when I needed it, even when I’m moody or sullen.

3. She is creative.

Being a fellow English major, she's is an excellent writer, and I love reading her work — it’s really good! Plus, she is awesome at interior design. She configured our whole apartment living room, which looks great! I love living with someone a good sense of aesthetics.

4. We have hella fun together!

Whether it’s enjoying some wine, grabbing Thai, or a simple Starbucks run, spending time with my roomate is always a good time. Living with someone you can go out with makes apartment life all the much sweeter. Since we have similar tastes and interests, it’s always easy to make plans.

5. She supports my goals.

Whenever I need to talk out plans, whether it’s what classes to take or how to deal with an ex, my roommate listens and gives out the most helpful advice. Right now she’s helping make up my mind about a second major and grad school, and I wouldn’t know what I’d do without her insights.

6. She shares food with me.

OK, this might not mean much to you, but this is a sacred act of kindness to me. One time my roommate brought me some Chipotle guac, and I legit almost began crying — because that stuff costs extra! Even though I don’t really share my stuff, she always shares with me, and that is true love.

7. She takes charge.

When we worked together as RAs, she always dealt with the tough situations. The same goes for living together off campus. If we need to be firm with a property manager, she is confident and composed (something I struggle with). When our fire alarm is beeping and low on batteries, she takes one for the team (of two) and replaces the batteries. This is literally painful with the loud beeping — but she does it nonetheless!