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Tips for Choosing a Roommate

All freshmen students are required to have a roommate for their first year. Here are some things to consider when looking for a roommate. 

General Roommate Tips

All freshmen students are required to have a roommate for their first year. You will be able to request roommates on the housing website. Below are some common ways that students find roommates:

  • You don't have to be best friends with your roommate - you just need to be able to live together. 
  • While many people choose to live with someone they already know, many also live with someone they don't know and prefer it that way. Sometimes you have friends who you weren't meant to live with. 
  • Living with someone you don't know rather than someone you do can actually expand your social network. 

Tips for choosing a roommate

  • Do you want your room be a place where you study, socialize, or both?  While you may not know now, it is important to think about when considering a prospective roommate
  • What are your living habits?  It may not seem like a big deal now, but small things like not taking out the trash regularly or leaving clothes all over the floor can become irritating over time.
  • Finding a schedule that fits your own.  You may want a roommate that has the same as yours, allowing you to hang out more.  You may want someone with a different schedule allowing you more privacy in the room.
  • How do you feel about guests staying over?  How late or how frequent guests come over can affect your studies and overall quality of sleep.
  • Does the way they communicate make sense to you?  Good communication can help prevent potential conflicts. If conflicts do arise, good communication can help resolve them more effectively.
  • Do you have a few shared interests?  Having a few things in common can give you something to talk about.