The big acceptance letter came quicker than I expected. I danced around my living room with the packet in my hands and I began to think about how I was #RhodyBound. A giant smile stretched across my face and began to make my cheeks hurt. This was it… I was going to college.

The next thing to do, besides obviously putting "URI '22" in my Instagram bio, was to join the class Facebook page and find myself a roomie. I didn't really want to go random but if that's your jam, go for it!

Scrolling through pictures of strangers, trying to gauge who you want to spend the next eight months living with, is an odd phenomenon. You see things you have in common with them and hope that maybe that'll be enough to make your living situation for the next two semesters a breeze.

When you do find the right one though, I feel like it can go one of three ways:

Lucky for me, my roommate and I fall under that third category. I showed up that first day with all of my stuff and felt so so welcome. She helped me unpack and even brought me Dunkin' coffee because all of her stuff was unpacked before me. I am so so so thankful for her because I know some people aren't so fortunate.

I've heard so many horror stories. Before going to college, I watched way too many videos about College Roommate Horror Stories and read articles about how your roommate, especially freshman year, will be the WORST. I'm here to tell you that that isn't always the case.

Sometimes you find a best friend in the process.

Sometimes you get to room with someone who makes you laugh super hard for no reason.

Sometimes you find a roommate who shares your love for "Mamma Mia!" and sings like crazy with you.

Incoming freshman, if I can leave you with one little piece of advice, it's this:

When you do join those Facebook groups and are in search of a roommate, be 100%, genuinely, candidly YOU. Talk about how nerdy you are, post funny pictures of yourself, and don't be afraid to reach out first. You might just end up finding someone you'll have in your life forever.

P.S. Tori, you're my girl and I love you a lot lot lot.