Roommate Selection

Roommate selection for the freshman year may determine your enjoyment of college life for the first year. Choosing a roommate can be an easy process; however, the outcomes of your choice may or may not be pleasant. During orientation week, many colleges require freshmen to fill out a survey that reflect their personal choices, study habits, and personalities. Take time to fill out this survey thoroughly and accurately. Ending up with a bad roommate can be a bad experience.

If a conflict does come up with a roommate, attempt talking the problem out with the dorm coordinator. The dorm coordinator can be helpful in finding new housing if necessary and aiding in the resolution process. Many times, a contract will be drawn up between roommates to set ground rules on cleanliness, chores, personal time and studying time. Respect this agreement to keep a roommate’s friendship.

Roommate relationships have been broken because of contract neglect, and lack of communication.  If you are attempting to have a friend or family member stay over during the night, talk to your roommate before inviting this person over. If you want to use food purchased by your roommate, ask their permission and repay the debt. Above all, talk to your roommate if you have a problem about a contract breach before it becomes a pattern of impositions.

Choosing a high school roommate may not be a wise decision. College life can affect high school friends in many different ways. A high school friend may turn into a roommate that develops an affinity for late night socializing, poor eating habits and dorm room sloppiness. These changes will be fine for some; however, many high school friendships have gone the way of the wooly mammoth. Also, you go to college for change, to rise to a new level, and to experience a new different lifestyle. If you live with a high school friend, it may hinder your ability to do this.

Selecting the right roommate can be one of your best choices in life. Millions of college graduates are still friends with their college roommates even through the golden years. A roommate that offers the right blend of friendship, privacy, and respect is more valuable than any scholarship.