College is one of the best times of your life to meet new people and broaden your horizons. Finding a good roommate can be crucial because, for better or for worse, they are going to be someone you get to know really well. Some people like to take their chances. Some will always live with friends. Decide how much of a risk-taker you are and hop into the roommate pool.
1. Potluck
This is a common option when moving into an on-campus dorm. You may be asked to answer a few basic questions (i.e. Are you a smoker? Are you a morning person?), but for the most part, you are leaving your roommate pairing up to random chance. You may find a lifelong friend that you never would have met otherwise, or you could end up with someone who never seems to be around, but still manages to trash the place and eat all your food.
2. Live with Friends
Many see this as the safest bet when choosing a roommate. You have already known your roommate for a while, and already having a friend can be a huge comfort when entering a new stage in your life. Keep in mind, however, that there is a big difference between being friends with someone and living with them. Just because someone was your friend in high school does not mean they are going to be a great roommate, as it is difficult to gauge how they will adjust to living on their own.
3. Get Online
There is a multitude of online roommate-finders. These sites will usually allow you to create a profile with some information about yourself and let you browse through those of others in your area. This gives you a little background on your potential roomies, but it is important to remember that all the information in someone’s profile is their perception of themselves, so it should be taken with a grain of salt.
4. Live at Home
If you are not itching to get out of your parents’ house (and they will let you stay), this can be a comfortable and economic solution. College is expensive, and living at home is a good way to ease some of the financial burden. It may not be the “coolest” way to go, but at least the food is good!
5. Live Alone
This sounds lonely, and it can be, but it is also a fantastic opportunity to learn about yourself. Living alone forces you to take accountability for everything you do, so you can see where you drift when left to your own devices.
