It is my firm belief that every college student should, at least once, go in blind when rooming with someone in a dorm. It not only teaches you how to live with any type of person and gives you problem solving skills, but may also create a lasting bond. However, this doesn’t always work out, as many “horror stories” of roommates do exist. This is why I also hold the firm belief that at least once you should room with your best friend. There are a myriad of reasons why this is the most fun college experience you’ll have — here’s a few.
1. All the times you talked about living together are finally coming true.
Though it may not be in the same circumstances (I know my best friends and I have talked about big houses and bigger dreams), living together in a tiny dorm room is one step in that direction.
2. It’s basically like a sleepover all the time.
Though of course you won’t always stay up till 4 AM talking about the latest crushes, some nights you will. It’ll be just like a girl’s night in, despite the fact that one of you has a 9 AM class tomorrow.
3. You’ll always have someone to get you in gear.
Whether it’s working out more, getting you out of your pajamas for some late-night food run, or finally working on that paper that’s due really soon that you’ve been putting off, your best friend won’t hesitate to pester you. Plus, as your best friend, they’ll know what’s going on in your life more than a new roommate would.
4. In-residence therapy.
Just like before (but now you live together!) you know you will always have a shoulder to cry on. If you did bad on a paper or just suffered a recent heartbreak, you know your roommate will listen, with ice cream if necessary.
5. You’ll feel comfortable confronting each other about your bad habits.
If you snore and it’s super loud, your best friend’s probably already told you about it, whereas a new roommate will probably wait at least a few weeks before they tentatively bring it up.
6. Someone will always be happy to see you after a break.
When I would go home for a weekend my best friend would always run out to meet me when I got back to campus. Having someone who’ll be excited to have you back no matter how long it’s been since you last saw each other is probably the best feeling in the world.
7. You always have someone you can borrow things from.
Mi closet, su closet. That lipstick that you’ve been dying to try? Sure, borrow it anytime! Those chips? Nah, I wasn't going to eat them, they're all yours.
8. No awkward “get to know each other” phase.
You already know each others’ secrets and will indulge more in the nights to come. You don’t have to worry before putting on music to jam to — your roomie is already singing along.
9.You’ll always have someone you love to come back to.
This person who you consider your best friend also gets to live with you. It’s possibly one of the coolest things ever. Yes, you’ll most likely get sick of some aspects of each other, but at the end of the day, you wouldn’t trade your best friend for the world.