Lewis University Navigator Blogs

As your going through your last year of high school and are preparing for what might be your first year of college dorm life, you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. You may be facing the first time you’ve ever shared a room, especially with someone to whom you’re not related. What if you don’t get along?

For many of you, this will be an entirely new experience. First off, relax. You’re certainly not alone, every other freshman in the dorms will probably have the same fears and concerns. Take advantage of the time before school starts to prepare yourself.

When I first walked into my dorm room on move in day, I met my roommate, someone who I had never met before. I was scared and excited about living together. At first we both did our separate things and had separate friends. As time went on we spent more time together in our room and outside. We started to have the same friends and same interests. Now that we have been through almost half of the school year together I have found that we have become best friends. I have learned that you can only have a successful stay in the dorms if you and your roommate get along. I am not saying that you have to be best friends but try to get along. A good way to do that is by just talking to your roommate. Make sure you always say hi when they walk in the room and maybe start a conversation. When you are going to get lunch or dinner make sure you invite your roommate every once in awhile. I know that you and your roommate are not going to like all of the same things but try to comply with some of their needs and wants, just like they should do with you. Make sure you are honest with your roommate and tell them how you feel, especially when you are bothered by something they do. Try to get to know one another, maybe tell them stories about your life and interests and then they do the same.

I know from seeing other people that are unhappy with their roommates that they can feel uncomfortable in their room, which should never happen because it is both yours and your roommates dorm room. It is possible to change roommates but try and make the roommate you have work. It needs to by a two way thing though, both of you need to try to make things work. If you are both not into making each other feel comfortable it will never work. Just make an effort to get along with your roommate.  It will help you in the end, and you might be able to start a great bond that can last forever.