ADJUSTING TO LIFE WITH
A ROOMMATE
Great Resources For
Finding A Roommate:
Not having plans for a roommate heading into
college can be a major point of concern for
freshmen, so here is some advice to hopefully
ease the stress of the situation:
Best Methods For Finding A Roommate
The housing offices at most universities use a system that
involves a small quiz or survey telling them what makes you
most comfortable. This is the best way for housing offices to
pair roommates based on common preferences for bedtime,
room temperature, socializing, etc. In addition to these surveys/
quizzes, a good method to finding a roommate is to go to events
hosted by the school you plan to attend and meet other freshmen
who click with you.
Joy Odums, a Resident Assistant at Auburn University at Mont-
gomery, shared her insight on the roommate search. “I believe
one of the best processes to finding a compatible roommate
would be to first access your school’s housing website to find
a roommate. If your school does not offer this service, finding
Facebook groups in which people find roommates for your
school is also another great resource.”
Finding a compatible roommate is just half the journey; living
in harmony takes consideration on both sides. You can have a
great roommate but terrible living habits, and you will still have
conflict. Try your best to be considerate of your roommate and
discuss your issues face-to-face.
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| Spring 2020
- Roomsurf.com allows you to sign up and
find a roommate
- Facebook: look up college name +
“roommate finder” or “housing”
- Check with college housing office: see if
they have a process
- Talk to other freshmen when visiting campus
Words of Advice About Campus Living
Iyisha Hampton of AUM shared what she believes is important
for students to know before moving onto a college campus. “It’s
important to be open to new experiences, including new people
with different ways of living. Another thing to remember is col-
lege can get lonely if you stay in your room all the time. Getting
involved is a great way to meet new friends, develop leadership
skills, and fully enjoy the college experience. I’d also include get-
ting to know the community around your campus as important
elements of living on your own.”
Keri Alford of Faulkner University shared some wise words for
freshmen moving out on their own, saying, “I would encourage
students to do the best they can in looking for a roommate, but
in the end, it is important to give your roommate a chance, even
if things start off a little bumpy. This is practice for life...things
are not always going to go our way but sometimes we have to
adapt where possible. Life's about changing, and college is where
a lot of change takes place. Be willing to navigate the change...
don't shut down.”
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