(AN D BE! )
HOW TO FIND
A GOOD ROOMATE
BY ASHLEY SHERLOCK
Finding your first college roommate can be
a breeze or a full on hurricane of anxiety. To
help save your emotions and your sanity, here
is a list of things to consider on your quest for
finding The One.
TALK AHEAD OF TIME.
START THE SEARCH EARLY.
The sooner you start looking, the sooner you’ll find someone.
ASK ABOUT POTENTIAL ROOMIE’S BEDTIME
AND PREFERRED ROOM TEMPERATURE.
Being an early bird living with a night owl or the other way
around can work, but it can also be sleep depriving. Being
comfortable in your own living space is just as important as
bedtimes. If you prefer to bring the frozen tundra indoors, you
may want to open your search to Eskimos.
ASK ABOUT INTERESTS AND INVOLVEMENT.
I’m not saying that if you watch The Office and they prefer Parks
and Recreation you should cancel the deal (because they are
both the best). But if you can’t stand the music they’re inevitably
going to play while getting ready in the morning, or if Greek life
isn’t your cup of tea like it is theirs, you may want to continue the
search.
28 |
Summer 2016
My first roommate and I found each other on Facebook and
began getting to know each other to better prepare ourselves for
move-in day. Getting acquainted and comfortable ahead of time
made the first week easier.
DO NOT HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS.
This is only to take some of the pressure and stress off of both of
you during a naturally chaotic time. Fortunately, if this person
still isn’t everything you dreamed, most schools will let you
switch roommates at the end of the semester.
If you’re like me when I was a freshman, you’re not used to
having someone in your fortress of solitude every day and night.
Roommate life is new and you may not be sure how it works or
what the protocol is for being a good one. Fear not, for I have
also assembled a list of roommate dos and don’ts!
www.potentialmagazine.com