Going to college may be scary. Living with a stranger may only seem to make the transition scarier. Do not let the fear make you dread random selection if it's the route you decide to go with. As a self-titled recluse, I was nervous about sharing a room with someone I did not know. It is even scarier when it is someone from a completely different continent and culture. It may be a bit terrifying when you find out your roommate is an international student, but I promise all will be fine.
When I first found out that my roommate was from Pakistan I was interested and worried. I was interested in her experiences from outside of the United States and her overall culture. Although I was interested I was also worried about cultures clashing. Coming from a small town with little diversity to living with someone from across the pond is a big change. I was not oblivious to other cultures, but my lack of exposer left me with minimal knowledge. I was worried that she would be more conservative and some of my habits as an American would not work too well with her beliefs and customs.
Even though I moved in with all these fears they were gone the moment I met my roommate.
I am so glad I ended up with the roommate I have. Sure, it is a safer bet rooming with someone you know, but that takes the fun out of learning to live with someone. You won't get to enjoy the moment of discovering someone that likes the same things as you. You won't get the luxury of enjoy all those "firsts" that you stopped experiencing years ago.
You may keep yourself from learning what different types of people you get along best with. If you room with someone you know you will already have somewhat of a set routine. Where is the excitement of learning and doing new things? You can have all those with someone you previously have known, but it is more exhilarating when it is with someone new.
I would never trade the "Princess of Pakistan" for anyone I knew from high school. I am so glad we have quickly learnt to trust each other and bonded over Taylor Swift. If you would have told me last year that I would be belting Taylor Swift lyrics with a girl from Pakistan in St. Peter I would have told you that you are wild. I am thankful for nights full of eating curry, dhal, and gulab jamun. I would have never performed a Bollywood dance at International Festival if it was not for my roommate. She has opened me up to so many new experiences and lessons. I am so thankful she is my first year roomie.
If you are not sure about choosing random selection do not let the worries keep you from a new life. It is scary at first, but you never know what splendid things are to come. If you end up with an international student as a roommate be ready for an interesting year. Do not close yourself off. Keep an open mind and it might be one of the best decisions you make!