One of the most exciting—and sometimes nerve-wracking—parts of starting college is figuring out who you’ll live with. Will you get along with your roommate? Will you share the same study habits? Will they play music loudly at 2 a.m.?

While there’s no way to predict the future, you can take some steps to help ensure you and your roommate are a great match.

Here’s how to connect with potential roommates for college and make sure your living situation is a positive experience from the get-go.

ROOMMATE COMPATIBILITY CHECKLIST

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1. Fill Out Your Housing Survey Honestly

Most colleges ask you to fill out a housing survey when you apply for dorms. This survey usually includes questions about:

• Your sleep schedule (early riser vs. night owl)
• Study habits (quiet study vs. group work)
• Cleanliness preferences
• Social habits (do you like to hang out in your room or prefer common areas?)

💡 Pro Tip: Be honest! It might be tempting to fill it out with answers you think the college wants to hear, but you’ll end up with a roommate who’s a mismatch if you’re not truthful. The more accurate you are, the better your chances of finding someone you get along with.

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2. Use College Housing Platforms

Many colleges provide online platforms or social media groups where incoming students can connect with potential roommates. This might include:

• Facebook groups
• Instagram hashtags
• Dedicated college housing portals
• Roommate-matching apps (like Roomsurf, Roomster, or Facebook’s roommate search)

These platforms allow you to post your housing preferences and browse others’ profiles. It’s a great way to meet people who are also looking for roommates.

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3. Get to Know Potential Roommates Before Committing

If you’re able to connect with a potential roommate, take some time to really get to know them before making any final decisions. Try having a conversation over the phone or through video chat. You might want to ask about:

• How they like to study (quiet space vs. active study group)
• Their sleep schedule
• How clean they like their living space
• What they like to do in their free time
• Their thoughts on having guests over or hosting study sessions

🔍 Tip: Think of it like a first date—ask the important questions, but also keep it light and fun to see if you vibe.

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4. Consider Roommate Compatibility Over Similarity

It’s tempting to look for a roommate who shares your exact interests or major. However, what you should be aiming for is compatibility, not similarity. For example:

• You don’t need to be best friends from day one.
• If one of you is an introvert and the other is extroverted, that’s okay! What matters is that you respect each other’s personal space.
• It’s great if you enjoy similar hobbies, but differences can also be enriching as long as you’re both flexible.

✨ Tip: Don’t feel pressured to find your “perfect match.” Sometimes differences in personality and habits can complement each other in a positive way.

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5. Set Expectations Early

Once you’ve found someone you feel comfortable with, set clear expectations from the start. Discuss things like:

• Cleaning schedules: Who will clean what, and how often?
• Quiet hours: When is it okay to play music or hang out, and when should it be quiet for studying or sleeping?
• Visitors: How often are visitors allowed? Will they sleep over?
• Shared space: Will you share items like a mini fridge or microwave, or will you each have your own?

📝 Pro Tip: Make a written agreement or a “roommate contract” that covers all the important aspects. This doesn’t need to be formal, but it helps set a solid foundation for healthy communication.

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6. Stay Open to Change

Even if you’re paired with someone who seems like a perfect match, things might change once you’re actually living together. Be open to having regular conversations about how things are going, and address any concerns early on.

💬 Tip: If something isn’t working, try to resolve it respectfully and calmly. College is a time for learning—both academically and personally. That includes learning how to live with someone else!

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7. What If It Doesn’t Work Out?

Not every roommate situation will be perfect, and that’s okay. If things don’t go as planned:

• Talk it out: Approach your roommate respectfully to discuss any issues. Sometimes, clear communication is all it takes to resolve tension.
• Reach out to housing services: If things really aren’t working out and it’s affecting your well-being, talk to your school’s housing office. Many colleges have systems in place for resolving roommate conflicts or even helping students switch rooms if necessary.

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Final Thoughts: Building a Positive Roommate Relationship

Finding the right roommate can take a little time and effort, but it’s well worth it. A great roommate can help make your first year of college more enjoyable and less stressful. While you don’t need to be best friends, creating a respectful and open environment will set the tone for a successful year.

Good luck, and here’s to a great start to your college journey!