There are tons of articles about roommates. There are ones about awesome roommates and ones about crappy roommate experiences. Too many claim they had the best roommate in the whole wide world. Is there such a thing?

When it comes to roommates, the best should always let you answer yes to these questions:

Do they fit your living style?

Do they have similar interests and values as you?

Can you count on your roommate(s) to follow through?

There are many other questions you can ask, but those are at the top. Roommates don't have to be best friends. You actually may fight more if you spend all your time together inside and outside of your shared living space. But I do think it is important to be friends with your roommate(s). It also will make things ten times more enjoyable.

As a second year student, I was able to pick who I wanted to live with. The great thing about my roommates is that not only are we friends, but we get along. Often, we catch ourselves hanging out in our hallway between our rooms just talking about our days. We hang out together, but we also do our own things, which is important. At least once a week we have set aside a night for roomie dinners.

I knew the day I moved in it was going to be a good year. The song from Annie the musical, "I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here," came to mind. We have a great place to stay and a great support system. No matter how stressed I get, I know my dorm room is a safe place to vent. I can knock on anyone's door and talk to them about what is going on. Without a doubt, I know they will be there for me. They also know I will be there for them too.

I think the television show, Friends, tells it best.

1. Your excitement is their excitement

Did you get good news? Your roomies will be excited to hear it and will jump for joy at your good fortune!

2. Always down for a road trip

Need a shopping partner? Or maybe just some company while you drive and sing at the top of your lungs? Good roomies will always oblige if you need a friend.

3. They knock sense into you

Because someone needs to do it from time to time.

4. They help carry your things

It's a team effort to carry things from the car to your place. Thank goodness for helpful roomies who can save the day.

5. The truth always comes out

Roomies not only want to hear about the good things in your life, they want to be there for you through the not so great times as well.

7. They embrace your weirdness

And still, they love you all the same.

8. They are your partner(s) in crime

They will provide the alibi that you were in the apartment the entire night.

9. They aren't stingy about sharing food

Mi comida (food) es tu comida.

10. They make great workout buddies

Because we can't always be lazy and eat ice cream on the couch.

11. They listen to your relationship problems

Whether or not you were on a break, they listen and give advice anyway.

12. Dance parties are always okay

Throwing a dance party in the kitchen or living room is perfectly acceptable.

13. They don't judge your mistakes

Because they know that you aren't perfect, and you never have to pretend.

14. They give the best hugs

Roomies give the best hugs, and sometimes a good hug is all you need in life!

Roomies, I love you with all my heart and will always be there for you! Here's to the school year that we have been waiting all summer for.