Now that I have decided on what college I will attend, I have began my search for a potential future roommate. So far, the search has been exciting and somewhat nerve-wracking. If I could compare this process to one thing, I would say the search for a roommate is most similar to a form of speed dating. You post a little biography about yourself and wait in hopes that someone will message you.
Initially, when I began this process, I felt lost and quite awkward. I was introducing myself to someone I had never met, which is something I had never done before. We each said a little bit about ourselves and then the conversation went dead. Since we were complete strangers to each other, there wasn't really much to say. In order to find the perfect roommate, I have compiled a list of questions you can ask:
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1. Where are you from?
It's always a good idea to get some background information on the person you are trying to get to know. Personally, I would love to find a roommate who lives around my hometown area. Not only would it be awesome to find a roommate that lives close so we could hangout over breaks and summer, but also beneficial in that if we both decided to come home on the same weekend, we could car pool!
2. Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Your potential roommate's sleep schedule could be a deciding factor. If you are a party animal and are out until 2 a.m., you certainly don't want a roommate who will be up at 7 a.m. ready to start their day. Or, on the other hand, you don't want to be rooming with someone who is out until 2 a.m. when you have an 8 a.m. class in the morning.
3. How do you feel about sharing?
Before you ask this of your future roommate, consider how YOU feel about sharing. Whether it be food, clothes or even personal products, its in your best interest to clarify whether or not you two are okay with sharing. If you both don't agree on sharing items, tension could arise. However, if you two both agree on sharing, you just unlocked the key to a brand new wardrobe!
4. Honestly, are you messy or a clean freak?
Most people may try to beat around the bush and avoid answering this question honestly. You definitely don't want a roommate who claims they will keep their side tidy, only to find out a few weeks after move-in day that their floor is covered with clothes. Encourage your candidate to answer honestly, without embarrassing or shaming their living habits.
5. What are your study habits like?
Study habits?... Yes, believe it or not, some people are here to study. While one person may appreciate complete silence, others might prefer a little background music. Better yet, you might find a roommate who finds studying outside of the room most beneficial! Whatever their preference, be sure that you will be able to be courteous towards them because studying accordingly is a very important part of college.
6. Do you smoke or drink?
While smoking in on-campus dorms is banned, we all know those people who like to break the rules. Alcohol and drugs will be present on any college campus and it is important to establish common ground on such topics. Maybe the party scene isn't their thing... or maybe the party scene is their thing.
7. Does smoking or drinking bother you?
Depending on their answer to question #6, consider your own thoughts on drinking or smoking. It wouldn't be ideal to dorm with someone who participates in these activities if you are totally against it whether it be due to religious beliefs or just personal values. Whatever the case, don't be that person who pressures their friends into doing something they're not comfortable with.
9. Do you like the room warm or cold?
Ah, yes. There is nothing more awkward and uncomfortable than the good ol' hostile thermostat battle. If your potential roomie prefers to keep the room at desert temperature while you would rather keep the room as cold as an ice box, keep looking.
10. Do you have any food allergies?
Food allergies are so common nowadays, so it would be in your best interest to inform a possible roommate of any food allergies you have, and be in-the-know about your roomie's allergies as well. You wouldn't want a roommate whose favorite snack is a jar of peanut butter if you have a severe food allergy.
11. What does a typical weekend look like for you?
Do they plan to go home on the weekends? Go out to parties? Stay in the dorm? These short follow-up questions are a great way to get to know your future roomie outside of the hustling work week.
12. How do you feel about guests in the dorm?
Having guests in the dorm is a given at point or another. Whether it be old high school friends, family visiting, or a group of kids from your math class over to study, make sure your roomie is comfortable with having strangers in their room. Remember, it is a shared space!
13. Do you have a significant other?
If they answer yes, you have two possible outcomes on your hands. One, they may never be in the room at all, or two, they may always be in the room... with their significant other as well. If they do have a significant other, be sure to establish some ground rules in order to avoid any unnecessary and awkward conflict.
14. Do plan to participate in any sports or rush for greek life?
Now that you've gotten to know your possible roomie a little, switch gears and ask a fun question! Most people who participated in sports in high school will probably continue in college and join an intramural team. Or, if you're like me, who wasn't much of a sports gal, you may decide you want to be apart of greek life instead. This question is a great opener to ask when the conversation might go dry.
15. What's your favorite Netflix show?
Watching Netflix is a hobby...right? There's no better way to find common interests than bonding over your favorite Netflix show. Some popular shows on Netflix right now are Shameless, One Tree Hill, The Office, and Orange Is The New Black. If you have not seen any of these, I highly suggest you watch them ASAP.
