I know it may be very tempting to decide to choose "random" during the housing process of your freshman year. The appeal of making new friends and potentially becoming besties with someone is enough to make anyone do it, but don’t be roped into the appeal.
If at all possible, I recommend rooming with someone you have talked to extensively (whether it be through social media, texting, Facetime, etc…), or someone you know that is also going to that particular school.
I have compiled a list of reasons from people I know that have gone random (including myself). Now, if you chose to go random and found your best friend for life, I am so happy for you! Not everyone that goes random get’s people that they clash with.
But, be warned that it does happen. Roommate surveys for placings are not always the most accurate!
1. You could get a roommate that steals your things.
Now, I know this is rare, but it does happen. It may be something minor like your soap or maybe some water. I know some roommates that are okay with that kind of thing. I am personally not one of them. You could also get that roommate that steals your money when you leave your wallet out or decided it was a good idea to “borrow” your laptop and sell it at a pawn shop. You never know.
2. You could get a roommate that never contributes.
Wouldn't it totally suck to have to be the one to buy all the toilet paper or air freshener for a room? You roommate should know that they need to contribute things as well. Splitting big items such as a television or a vacuum is not always the best idea either because it may cause arguments at the end of the year, but taking turns buying small things is necessary in order to have a peaceful living environment.
3. You could get a roommate that has parties in your room.
You may be "blessed" with a roommate who thinks it is appropriate to have their friends coming in and out of your room at all hours or a roommate who has the music on full blast twenty-four/seven. You might feel like it is a party in your room because of the music and people. You might not know where to go.
4. You could get a roommate that is physically abusive.
Your roommate may become violent with you. Again, this is not the norm. However, it does happen. Whatever the issue between the two of you is, it is never okay for someone to put their hands on you. It doesn't matter if you started the argument or anything like that. You have to tell someone about this because if someone got away with it once, it could mean they think they would get away with it then. If you are put in this kind of situation, go tell an RA or even campus police.
5. You could get a roommate that does not respect you.
You may have a roommate who does not understand that sometimes, you need peace and quiet to study. Or maybe you have that really hard 8 a.m. class that you need your nine hours of sleep beforehand, and she's blasting her radio. Maybe she puts her stuff on your space. She yells at you when you try to communicate or even plain ignores you. She is very loud on the one morning that you don't have an 8 a.m.
6. Your roommate might be very dirty.
For those of you that like organization, this can make a lot of tension in your room. Your roommate may let his/her stuff spread over onto your side of the room, let dust pile up, or even allow rotten food items to continue to be a part of your shared space. It may just be that your roommate doesn't know how to do laundry and the basket is smelly and overflowing.
How to fix these issues:
Not all of these issues are going to be able to be fixed overnight, or even at all. There is one phrase is paramount when you have a roommate. Communication is key. If there is something that is bothering you, discuss it with your roommate.
Chances are, unless you are very unlucky, that your roommate does not know what he/she is doing is upsetting you. It might be as simple as a few words back and forth to rectify a situation that has left you uncomfortable and/or upset.
However, you also have to be able to recognize when a situation is no longer in your control and you need to seek assistance. That's what the RAs are there for! No matter what you decide, I hope your freshman year is a memorable experience!
