Dear readers,

The dates for picking next year’s rooms are upon us, and the lottery numbers have been sent out. My number, 825, sits screaming at me in my inbox, so I know exactly how you are feeling.

Picking housing is one of the most stressful times in the semester. It feels like you must have a solid idea of what your plans are for the next year.

Last year, I had one person I knew I was going to room with. After we were unable to find more roommates to fill our rooms in The Suites, we had to come to terms with the fact that we would have two random roommates.

I thought it was normal to magically have a friend group consisting of four people, and you would slide perfectly into the second-year dorms.

My roommate during my first year had three friends she knew she was going to room with the next year from the beginning, and I was left feeling alone and stranded.

I felt I needed to have it all figured out because it felt as if everyone around me did. Luckily, I had my friend, and I was so excited to room with her.

My friend ended up transferring, and it was just me and a random roommate left in the room. There was supposed to be a third roommate, but she also transferred right before the beginning of the semester.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to be afraid of having random roommates. I feel like there’s this stigma that you need to pick your own roommates or you’ll be unhappy.

Truth is, you may end up with someone you don’t exactly get along with, but the great news about second-year dorms is they’re most likely for four people, so that’s three different chances at a friendship.

I was so scared to move in with someone I had barely spoken to. What if we didn’t get along? What if we were completely different people?

My worries quickly went down the drain when I met my roommate. We instantly clicked and had so much to talk about. We have all of the same beliefs, political opinions and even the same major.

We did everything the first few days of college, and we still continue to try and do things together. Despite having single rooms, we talk all the time. I feel like I can talk to her about anything and I won’t be judged.

While my situation with one roommate in a four-person dorm is pretty uncommon, I feel my story can show you how it is very possible to get along with a random roommate and they could very likely become a lifelong friend.

My roommate will be living off-campus next year, and I will be putting myself into a Chancellors Hall room this Wednesday with three random roommates.

Am I scared? Of course. My experience this year doesn’t squash those unknowns that creep around my mind.

I find solace in knowing that it is very possible to get along with random roommates. Part of me almost finds the mystery of it exciting. 

To me, those three random people are three new possibilities at making new friends.

So, if you are going into this week with no roommate group, don’t be afraid. Keep your mind and your heart open to new possibilities.

My biggest piece of advice would be to just be yourself. Be open, reach out to your future roommates and introduce yourself. It’s better to show them that you want to get to know them than to shy away and hide.

Exchange that fear with excitement for what’s to come. This is only another stepping stone in your college journey. 

Lots of love and hugs of encouragement,

Skyler

Schad can be reached at [email protected].