What did my roommate teach me?
Start writing a post
Education

5 Things I Learned From My Roommate Freshman Year

We didn't always get along, but she taught me some vital life lessons.

592
Personal Photo
Janine Albert

When I started college last year, I was a little scared and nervous. I had just moved from another state, and I was about to attend a school that I didn't really want to go to. I was, however, extremely excited about being on my own for the first time, and meeting my roommate. While it wasn't the most perfect experience, I definitely learned a lot and made some pretty unforgettable memories. Here are some things that I learned from my roommate freshman year.

1. It’s important to communicate.

Giphy

I'm kind of a neat freak and I always insisted on having the room completely clean. My roommate, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. So, I took it upon myself to clean the entire room all the time, without asking her to help, or confronting her about her messiness. I was too scared of hurting her feelings, but I was also getting frustrated that I was the only one cleaning all the time. Needless to say, all of that pent up frustration was released during a discussion that I finally had the guts to have, and living conditions improved immensely.

2. Taco Bell makes everything feel better.

Giphy

This is a real thing. Whenever I had a rough day, my roommate would take me to Taco Bell, and everything felt fine after that.

3. Bollywood movies are amazing and a perfect escape from reality.

Giphy

Perfect Friday nights consisted of us sitting on my roommate's bed and watching three hours' worth of Hindi drama and songs. Before I met my roommate, I hadn't watched a single Bollywood movie, and to be honest, I don't know how I ever survived.

4. Gorge yourself on ice cream when you’re sad, and then get over it.

Giphy

Sharing a pint of Ben and Jerry's whenever one of us did poorly on a test quickly became a tradition, and my roommate taught me that while I should wallow in my misery for as long as I needed to, it was important to focus on how I could do better for next time.

5. Always be willing to try new things.

Giphy

My roommate from last year is an AMAZING dancer. When I say amazing, I mean exceptional. So I wasn't surprised when she became the co-captain of our college's Bollywood fusion dance team. I was, however, surprised when she pushed me to join. Anyone who knows me, knows I have two left feet and am probably one of the clumsiest people alive. At first, I didn't want to join the team, but she kept asking, and I finally did. Even though I wasn't the best dancer, I'm so glad I listened to her because it was probably one of the most fun things I did that semester.

Although the relationship between my roommate and me wasn't perfect, I went through so many different experiences with her and I was able to learn so many important life lessons.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

90422
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62366
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments