If you've never shared a room with someone, the idea of having a roommate in college is beyond scary. There are some horror stories that will make you never want to live with someone ever again. Luckily for me, I didn't have this problem. My roommate who started out as just a Facebook friend, became my best friend, and I wouldn't have it any other way! Here's what happens when you live another year with a college roommate.
You Get Sad When You Come Home and They’re Not Home
After a long, exhausting day sometimes all you want is to throw yourself on your futon, grab that box of Goldfish, and vent to your roomie for hours and hours. The only problem? She has a life too, and might not be home. It sucks, doesn’t it? But...when she does get home, it’s the best talk of your life. Living with your roommate from last year is the best, because she already knows what to say to turn your frown upside down! She also knows that an Avril Lavigne dance party is all you need to make you forget about your horrible day.
Nights In Are Equally as Fun as Nights Out
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is a real struggle that all college students deal with on a weekly basis. Nine out of 10 times, taking the time for hair, makeup, outfit selection, etc. is worth the memories you make while out with friends. On the other hand, staying in with your best friend/roommate is equally fun. You can wear whatever you want, eat whatever you want, and talk about whatever you want because you don’t need to impress them. Yes, you will be debating going out the entire time you’re home, but you won’t regret it in the morning.
Know When to Give Each Other Space
Despite loving each other’s company, you know when enough is enough. After a year of living together, you know when it’s time to step out of the room and let your roommate be alone, and vice versa. People need their alone-time on occasion, and that’s perfectly okay! Just remember that when she asks for some space, she doesn't hate you. She might just want to eat Goldfish by herself at the moment.
You Get Very Protective of Each Other
Only your roommate truly knows how you feel about everyone in your life. She’s there for every middle of the day breakdown, 2 a.m. pillow talk, and she’s the first person you talk to in the morning. That being said, she’ll back you up in any argument, and take your side when needed since she knows everything. Whether it be a snotty girl in your class, or a jerk of an ex-boyfriend (*wink wink*), your roomie will know exactly how to put them in their place.
We Now Communicate without Speaking
When we’re together in public, all it takes is a glance to say, “I can’t wait to go home,” “Let’s get food soon, I’m dying,” or, “Can we stay 10 more minutes?” There’s nothing better than being so connected with your roommate that you don't even have to speak. Learning how to pick up on their nonverbal cues creates for less awkward moments, and makes you feel like someone really understands you.
Her Habits Become Your Habits
Luckily, I got #blessed with an overachiever of a roommate. She makes me want to eat healthier, go to the gym more, and not procrastinate as much. More often than not, people get stuck with roommates who bring out the worst in them, but mine brings out the best in me.
Going Home to Separate States for Break is the Worst
If only life was fair and didn’t give you a roommate who lives hours and hours from you. Before the end of last year, I didn’t realize how much being away from my roommate for the summer would suck. After about two days of being home, you begin to miss the person you spent every day with. Over the summer, you use FaceTime, texting, and all forms of social media 24/7 just to feel like you're a part of their life. Not to mention, you have a countdown until the next time you get to see their face because, why not?
The relationship you have with your roommate will be the best kind of friendship you make in college. If you were lucky enough to find the perfect roommate, you know what I’m talking about. She sees the way you act when no one else is around, and still wants to be your friend... How awesome is that?
