congratulation! You have accepted an offer to enroll in your dream school. And we want to have all the ducks in a row by move-in date. One of the tasks you have to work on is signing up for housing. This means you will likely need a roommate. Don’t know where to start? No worries! We’ve put together a short list of the best advice on how to find a college roommate.
start with someone you know
If you and your best friend decide to go to the same college, you probably haven’t read our blog on how to find a college roommate.Even if your closest circle decides to enroll elsewhere , other students in your graduating class may be attending the same university as you. You may not be your best friend, but a familiar face can be a welcome solace as you begin your new journey in college.
You can also search for potential roommates in your circle of acquaintances outside of your classmates. People you played sports with or did community theater with may also go to college. You can also ask your mom, brother, or cousin’s nephew or niece who built a sandcastle with you on the beach when you were 4 years old. who knows? A reunion with you may be fate!
Join Graduation Class Social Media Pages
Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, or a social channel you’ve never heard of, these platforms are a great place to connect with a new class of new people. Many students post a little about themselves in search of people with similar interests. For example, your plans for majors, your hobbies, and your girlfriend’s favorite Netflix shows, the same things you would discuss when you meet in person.And as always, be careful and don’t get that too What your post contains and personal. Leave some mystery as to when/when you met in person.
See what other students are posting and see if anyone has similar interests. If you feel you might have something in common with them, reach out! Or, if you’re feeling social, post something yourself and see who responds. If you find someone you are connected to, you can proceed with the application process together.
Complete a roommate matching form provided through your university
Many schools (including UIUC!) offer roommate matching surveys that you can complete when applying for housing. They often ask about your habits. For example, “What time do you usually get up or go to bed?”, “Are you comfortable sharing things?”, “How often would you like to see your friends?” Filling out these will help the university match you with people with similar habits.
Go Random!
Going with a random roommate can be rewarding, though risky. Let the universe (or the university, depending on your point of view) decide for you, one less thing to worry about. If you’re still not sure, remember that your roommate could be your closest confidante or someone you live with.
So go with a random roommate in the spirit of trying something new! It gives you the chance to make new friends. And you never know, you might make a great connection with someone you’ve never otherwise met. They are go-tos for advice, help mediate roommate conflicts, and can even help change rooms if things get worse.
Second year reassessment
The truth is, while you can follow all these suggestions on how to find a college roommate or go to school with your best friend, it still might not work out quite as well as you imagined. It’s okay! Remember, the housing contract you sign in Year 1 is not a lifetime contract. Switching to the second year is perfectly normal.
As a freshman, you will meet new people and make new friends who will give you a better idea of who you want to live with. You can be sure that you will get along well with your roommate.
Now for advice on how to find a college roommate. I hope this helps clarify this process. Good luck with your roommate search!
