How to Choose a College Roommate

Choosing a roommate in college can be both exciting and nerve-wracking; you're excited to have a new friend, but also can realistically understand the challenge of living in such tight quarters with a stranger. Living with a college roommate is an adjustment, but one that you can have a hand in selecting.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Be completely honest on your housing questionnaire. Answering questions that are true to who you really are will only help in matching you to a roommate who is compatible. If you're messy, say so; if you're a night person and a smoker, admit it.
2. Choose someone you've met. You'll likely attend an orientation or campus visit at least once before it's actually time to head to school. If you meet someone you click with, throw out the idea of becoming roommates in the fall. Colleges usually offer this option.
3. Connect with your new roommate once you receive the notification of your match--likely by e-mail midway through the summer. You may receive his or her address, e-mail and phone number, providing you ample opportunity to reach out and make an initial connection. It can help with introductions and minimize the awkwardness of becoming roomies with a complete stranger on day 1.
4. Ask your roommate lots of questions. Ask about background, family, habits, likes and dislikes and what they will be studying at school. The more you ask, the more info you'll collect, allowing you to prepare for living with this person.
5. Try to bond immediately when you move in at school. Introduce your families, go to lunch, go book or supply shopping or explore campus together.