Like any student fresh out of high school, your mind is most likely set on living with your best friend your freshman year of college. What could be better than that? You're comfortable enough to eat their food and share their clothes which is all a roommate is good for anyways, right?
But what happens if she finds a boy and has him over all the time? What if she gets involved with a new crowd and completely changes herself? Or if she constantly haunts you of your high school past? College is the place for new beginnings and new friendships.
That is why I chose a random roommate my freshman year.
At first, I was completely terrified. I had to live with this person for the next 10 months and didn't know a single thing about her. And that's when I realized... I really didn't know anything about her and she knew nothing of me in return. This was my chance to start anew. The bullies, reputations, and cliques of high school meant nothing to this stranger I'd soon call a friend. To me, that was the greatest part of all.
The University of Nebraska matches roommates based off of similarities such as room temperature, bed time, study habit, etc, but when it came to the thought of spending an entire year with this person, those similarities weren't enough. For what felt like ages, she was just a username to me, but thanks to my stalking skills on social media, I gained a slight idea of what she looked and seemed like as a person.
Facebook mentioned she was in a relationship and how she valued her family. Twitter revealed her humorous as well as audacious side. Instagram introduced me to her gorgeous friends and all of the activities they were involved in. I mean, we are known as the wired generation so why not use that stereotype to our advantage?
Beyond that process, little did I know that in a few months I would be living with one of the greatest friends I've ever had. The day we moved in, we instantly connected as if we were never strangers at all. We vent about everything, order pizza at midnight, make shadows on the ceiling when we can't sleep, etc. She is my college best friend and I honestly have never been happier.
So, what is my one and only tip for incoming college freshman? Be courageous. The world is so much bigger than that high school you are coming from. By choosing a random roommate, you allow yourself to venture out beyond the normal.
Take that chance; go random.
