To room together or not?

The college decisions are not done yet

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Alex Chase, Staff Writer

With summer anxiously approaching, the senior’s to do list only continues. The idea of living on their own in a few months is just the beginning of the college frenzy.

Finding a college roommate falls between the best time of a student’s life and the most stressful. Whether you choose to live with someone you know, fill out a survey or introduce yourself to a stranger, the uncertainty of a successful outcome is overwhelming. Senior Abby Laverriere’s goal was to find someone studying in the same field.

“I found a girl I interviewed with for my program,” said Laverriere. “We were messaging back and forth and decided to meet up at accepted students day.”

Laverriere also connected with a third roommate while attending the Rochester Institute of Technology Accepted Students Day. Having study partners who are learning the same material was ideal to Laverriere.

“I think it would be nice to go in with somebody going through similar classes,” said Laverriere. “We spent the whole day together touring the campus.”

For seniors Faith Tourigny and Gaby Bermeo, the comfort of moving onto The University of Southern Maine campus with someone they already know feels like the perfect scenario.

“I chose to room with someone I knew because we know a lot about each other and know when we need our space,” said Tourigny. “I know I can live with them happily rather than paired with someone random and risk that.”

The stereotype that friends end up hating each other within a few months is the least of Tourigny’s concerns.

“With someone I know like Gaby, we will both work hard but also have fun and get out and make friends,” said Tourigny. “We also understand each other, which will help.”

A random pairing between two roommates can be intimidating as it can be successful. You know nothing about this person you’ll be living with for the next nine months. Senior Matt Brady who will compete for the University of Connecticut track and field team, hopes to still be paired with someone who has similar interest.

“They had a long questionnaire on what kind of roommate you would like,” said Brady. “I think I will be matched with someone good.”

However, a random roommate does have it’s perks, regardless of each other’s past, both are looking to forge lifelong friendships.

“The advantage is going in starting 100% fresh,” said Brady. “You have no background with that person and it could be very fun.”

Jessica Laverriere, who graduated in 2015, describes how being paired with not one, but four random roommates her freshmen year was a blessing in disguise.

“My roommates and I are all very close,” said Laverriere. “They’re easily some of my best friends.”

Despite not knowing each other before hand, Laverriere and her roommates are grateful for the way their living situation turned out. They clicked so well together that they plan to live with each other for junior year as well.

“I think that going random was one of the best decisions I ever made,” said Laverriere. “Ultimately, I believe you should trust the system. Bryant knew what was best for me before I even did.”

Regardless of how students choose their roommates, there are plenty of options. Entering freshmen year of college can be nerve wracking, on top of that, sharing your space with another person adds to that stress. When choosing the option that is best for you, keep an open mind and accept new experiences. Isn’t that what college is all about anyways?