Coming into college and making the transition to living on your own is a challenging, yet rewarding life step to go through. Choosing a roommate is one of those first steps to the new transition because this is probably the first time in your life where you will actually live with another person and have to share a confined space with someone else.

Most people dread this new stage in life because they have heard negative things about dorm life, and wonder what it will be like if they don’t get along with their roommate. Because of this, most people tell horror stories about their college roommates and everything that went wrong, but I have a great story to share with a happy ending on how your roommate can really become your best friend if you choose the right one.

My roommate and I didn’t go to high school together, and I think in the long run this was an excellent thing for our friendship. At the beginning of the year together, we each had fun memorable high school memories to share with each other, which always gave us something to talk about. It was also nice because I got to meet her old friends from her hometown, while she met mine and we both then established an ever-larger friend group. These tight-knit connections were especially comforting at the beginning of the school year as we were meeting so many new people so fast.

We grew close together quickly, and I believe there are so many benefits to when your roommate can be your best friend too.

We go to the gym together every day after work, we go to dinner every night, we go out on the weekends, we help each other with homework, and we have movie nights where we pop popcorn and just chill out together. Being able to do these fun activities with someone that you’re so close to, makes all the normal living things that are necessary to do with a roommate easier.

Having my roommate become my best friend has been one of the greatest things that have ever happened to me. She knows everything about me, and I know she always has my back, not only for this year but for all the years to come. Finding this true companion in life comes in many different forms for different people, whether that be a best friend, boyfriend, girlfriend, parent, grandparent, etc. For me, I’m so lucky to have found her, and can’t wait for all the future memories we will make together.

Your college roommate doesn’t always have to be the arch-nemesis that you tell horror stories to your kids about. Be open to the process, and the entirety of the journey, and hopefully you will find a lifelong friend just like I did.