I would be lying if I said I wasn’t over the moon excited to find my freshman roommate and share my entire closet with her. Scrolling through the UW Facebook page hunting for a roommate felt like going through people’s dating profiles–everyone shows off their prettiest selfies and cutest outfits. It’s a daunting task to find someone that you think you’ll get along with!
From the endless YouTube videos I binged about dorm room decor and roomie love, I set insanely high expectations. I wanted to instantly click with her, do everything together, call her my sister. And I’ll be honest–I thought that was what I was going to get after sweet Snapchat convos and Instagram comments. Until move in day.
By the middle of September, I realized that my roomate wanted nothing to do with me. And being the bubbly girl I am, I was heartbroken when she didn’t want to be friends. Turns out, people aren’t always what they seem to be online, and that reality check hit me where it hurt.
But at the end of the day, it’s not all about going out together and looking cute for the Gram. It’s about respecting each others space, needs, and time. You and your roommate must respect one another, no matter what–it’s so awkward to fall asleep across the room from someone who never even says hi to you.
Remember that living with a stranger is new for both of you, and there’s no pressure to be besties with the person you end up in the dorms with. Be kind, civil, and understanding, because everyone is human.