As seniors made their final college decisions on commitment day, many may start worrying about the next big step to figure out housing and who they will room with.  Finding a compatible roommate is not an easy task, as there is so much to consider.  While having a roommate can be fun, students must consider both the positive and negative impacts that can impact their lifestyle and academics from having one.   Living together comes with many responsibilities, and roommates must communicate similar values, living habits, and expectations before moving in.   Although stressful, looking for your potential college roommate will allow you to meet many new people and even form long-lasting friendships.  

“At Baruch College, we are required to fill out a preference questionnaire that allows us to explain what our expectations are in a roommate and what our lifestyle is like.  Then we get matched with someone who is similar.  This worked out in me and my roommate’s case considering we’re seniors now and have been rooming/best friends since freshman year,” said Schreiber alumnus Palak Sewani.

When beginning to look for potential roommates, the simplest way to start is with friends or people you already know.  If there are common interests and you get along with one another, consider sharing a dorm.  However, there are some things that must be kept in consideration.  While many best friends get along in high school through extracurriculars, classes, etc. this does not necessarily mean they will be compatible housemates.  

Rooming with friends who differ in living habits can often ruin the friendship instead of bringing each other closer.  It would be helpful to converse with each other on living expectations and establish agreed responsibilities such as washing the dishes, doing laundry, or cleaning the dorm room.  However, on the plus side, the hassle of awkward introductions and getting to know each other can be put aside.  Being roommates with someone you are already close to helps ease the anxiety of being in an unfamiliar environment, especially during the first few weeks of college. 

“If I attend the same college with my friend, but their living habits are extremely messy and disorganized, I don’t think I would be able to share a dorm with them.  I’m easily influenced by the people around me, so if my roommate is disorganized, I would most likely be disorganized as well,” said freshman Helena Franchetti.

Other options for finding a roommate are through browsing websites or looking into themed dorms or communities on campus.  There are many online forums such as RoomSurf or the Roomie App which allow you to select preferences and take quizzes to find the perfect match for your potential college roommate.  It is better to first meet your roommate through an online zoom call or somewhere in person so you can talk and know them better before confirming the move-in.  Colleges also have themed communities which are residential areas on campus where students are housed based on shared interests, similar academic focus, or lifestyle.  Here, students can meet others and connect with like-minded people, allowing them to potentially find their next roommate. 

“When you apply to college, there are many online platforms that you could use to find a suitable college roommate.  For one, you could join college facebook groups to connect with other admitted students, and from there you can reach out to people who share common interests.  Myspace is also another alternative to an online platform for students to meet potential roommates,’ said junior Adam Lee.

While college can be nerve-wracking at first, it allows students to have a fresh start with new friends, classes, responsibilities, and a new living space.  Students can express themselves by transforming their own space into something that suits them.  Before starting, set a budget for furniture and decor and check with the advisor on what is permitted in the dorm room.  Check in with your roommate as well to see if there could be a common room theme.  Many accent pieces can easily make your dorm feel welcoming.  For example, adding lamps or fairy lights can brighten up the place and give your room a warm glow.  Installing curtains can also add privacy and give off a more comfortable feel.  Adding a headboard, throw pillows, and matching comforters and blankets is also an easy way to incorporate character and style.  A well-decorated dorm room may even attract new friends.  

Finding ideal college roommates is a challenging task, but with persistence and time, you will surely find your perfect roommate.