I don’t think I’m alone when I say that one of the most terrifying issues to sort out as a young college student is where you are going to be living in the near future. The knowledge that your current living situation is only temporary is equally exhilarating and paralyzingly nerve-wracking.Thankfully, the housing situation that I found myself in this year is going to remain in much the same way next year. We decided which people would be roommates, which rooms they would be in, and we made plans to sign the lease far sooner than some of the people we know have even found a place to stay.

I’m happy to say that my new roommate is a close friend of mine. Two more well suited roommates may have never existed. (Or at least, that’s my hope!) Over time, we have discovered that we share the same sense of humor, the same sassy tendencies, the same desire to keep out spaces clean…

And an overwhelming urge to fill said spaces with a crapload of books.

Now both of us are English majors, which is an easy way of saying that you should be careful before you talk to us about books. As bookworms across the globe would tell you, we are very invested in the stories that we surround ourselves with and we protect the connection that we have to those stories. We would encourage you to read recreationally because there are so many wonderful benefits that go along with it. Reading helps you reduce stress and keeps your brain active. And to contradict popular opinion, bookworms are very easy to get along with since reading has been known to increase a person’s capacity for empathy. According to rd.com, “‘Stories provide life-changing perspective’, say York University researchers. ‘Getting wrapped up in the lives of characters strengthens your ability to understand others’ feelings. Seeing the world through the eyes of Jane Eyre, for example, may make it easier for you to relate to your sister-in-law’s viewpoint’.”

But if we can’t make you a fellow book enthusiast ourselves, there are some things you should know about being in our close circle of friends.

1) Reading is our own little part of the world.

Nose-deep in a novel is where we want to be. This is our brief interruption from the world of the “actually-living”. Try to interrupt us while we are in a plot-induced trance and we will not claim responsibility for the reactions that follow.

2) You probably shouldn’t give either of us your opinion about any piece of literature unless you are able to provide textual support for your claims.

We will probably grade you.

3) Whenever you’re in a bind and you need some advice, we will listen and offer you some advice that I guarantee you have never heard before.

Because the characters in our works of fiction get themselves into some pretty interesting binds sometimes...

4) If you ever need anything to read, we’ve got you covered.

Your brain is our open slate.

I hope you have a deeper appreciation for the bookworms that fill your life with quirkiness. As for me, I am coming to the realization that I am probably going to end up starting a library with my future roommate. Whether or not we will allow this service to be free of charge will be discussed. I’ll keep you posted.