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What are some important things to consider when choosing a college roommate?

I will be going to college soon, and I want to know what I should consider in choosing who will be my roommate. Character? Work ethic? How fun they are to hang out with?
#college #roommates #housing #dorm

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Victoria’s Answer

That they are sustainable and have a good work ethic, outgoing, love being involved in social activities

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Bill’s Answer

Everyone is going to say the standard things...desired bed times, messiness, study habits, etc.

However, aside from those, most roommate arguments stem from not talking about things beforehand. Have a mutual respect for each other and discuss things beforehand. What are rules for visitors? Romantic partners? Food? Technology usage?

It's also a good idea to have a common goal. My old freshman roommate and I would put all our loose change aside and at the end of every month, we would buy beer with what is in there. That may seem silly, but it puts you both in a situation where you're working together. It helps you get along. That's just an example, as there are other things you can do together.
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Josh’s Answer

The previous answer was on point, but I have an additional recommendation. While you want someone who will be compatible in terms of living style, social interaction, and habits, take the opportunity to choose someone who is different than you in terms of their background. One of the greatest experiences of college is learning about other people, expanding your horizons, and understanding the greatness that is human diversity. If you choose someone who is "just like you" you're missing out.

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Rebecca’s Answer

I definitely recommend finding someone who you know will have similar living styles as you (how clean they are is a major one). I would look for someone who you can see as being a friend. You both don't have to be best friends, but you do want to be able to have an open space for communication if something's bothering you that regards them and your living space. You both don't have to be compatible on everything but having something in common can help for a friendship which will be very useful in making yourself feel at home in your dorm.
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wingin’s Answer

First, you need to find out if you're college allow you to choose a roommate. If the answer is negative, I think you need to focus on how to get along with them. And before that you need to understand how is endurance for the others, and you need to have open communication with them.
And set some ground rule everyone think that is acceptable. However. If the answer is positive, I strongly suggest you go to a trip with the ones you want to become as the roommate. And you can figure out is that possible for them become your roommate after all.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Ramtin:

Great question! You can't go wrong with the advice already provided by the CV Professionals. All of the responses are great ones and there's no wrong answer here.

I'd like to provide you with a different perspective that you may not have considered or thought about. I have two nieces that are currently going through the process of selecting a roommate for college. What they are considering is "diversity". One of my nieces has selected a Caucasian, Asian, and Indian girls as roommates. Each roommate has their own room that comes with a bathroom. Of course there are other factors that this group of girls worked out but, for my niece she wanted to be in a diverse environment. She met her roommates online and via the school's website. They all have agreed and signed up to be in the room with each other.

My other niece has traveled abroad to many places around the world. She too wants a diverse group of roommates. I know that diversity is probably not the first thing most people are thinking about but, I encourage you to be open to consider other factors you may not have thought about (ie, diversity, different background, culture, etc). The other stuff can always get worked out like cleanliness, respecting space, etc. Best of luck to you!

~ Sheila
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G. Mark’s Answer

There are a couple obvious things, a couple not-so-obvious, and something you might consider.

1) Obviously, you would talk to the person and get their opinions about a lot of things. Because you want someone you'll agree with? No, because it will give you insight into their personality.

2) You want someone who is as dedicated to study as you are. Because if you find someone who is just a lot of fun to hang with, you might end up doing that more than studying.

3) If you find someone who shares some interests, the same thing applies. You don't want someone who will tempt to you goof off and just have fun pursuing those interests.

4) And here's the suggestion. Do what people do for Personality Assessment Testing. That is, those tests give a whole load of questions either multiple choice or essay or just oddball questions. These are an indirect way of finding out if some people are well suited for particular careers by matching their answers -- again, sometimes to weird questions -- to those who are successful and enjoy their chosen career. If you can find a questionnaire like that already and find a way to get it "scored", fine. But failing that, put together a bunch of questions yourself. Some simple, some weird, some tough, whatever.

Don't underestimate (4). If you're going to be investing all that time and money and effort into a significant part of your life and you want to have someone who will not interfere with that but be conducive to your success, it's worth the effort.

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Carrie’s Answer

My personal opinion is that you want a person who is respectful. You will have friends to hang out with. Your roommate does not need to be your friend. You want someone who will respect your preferences and personal belongings. For instance, if you say that you need to go to bed early to get rest before a big test, they will not play music loudly with every light in the room on. In turn, you need to give weight to your roommate's needs.
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Carrie’s Answer

Hello,  When I was in college I had to live in the dorms my first year. I was able to select my close friend as a roommate. Some colleges do not provide that option up front and you are given an assigned roommate. If that is the case, it would be prudent to have a conversation with your new roommate to be and get to know them.  Find out if they are an early morning or night person, do they have a significant other that might be staying over, what are their extracurricular activities, what do they enjoy doing in their spare time. Is this person laid back or are they OCD? Together you can both come up with "rules" to live by that you mutually agree upon. Happy living!

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Sanjay’s Answer

There are many factors to consider when selecting your college roommate. Given you are both likely new to the idea of living independently, you would obviously want to live with someone you can trust. Also, someone who is clean, organized and responsible. If they share a similar major, then you can obviously study together and share ideas. An intangible factor would be if they share similar views on religion, diet and exercise.
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Shannon’s Answer

Hi Ramtin,

My advice would be to ask if they are a neat person or a messy person? Ask their sleep habits ( are they an early riser or a night owl), are they very social( will they have a lot of friends in and out of your room), do they like to study in the room or at the library? Do they have a significant other and will that person be staying over (establish some rules for that)? If this is your first time sharing space with someone ask as much as you can about habits and lifestyle so you will know if you are a match.


Shannon recommends the following next steps:

Make a list of questions and also note what your preferences are for a roommate.
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