We’ve all heard horror stories about college roommates. There’s the macho-dude who hangs Sports Illustrated posters everywhere, the snack-addict who leaves Oreo wrappers on the floor and the overenthusiastic fan who talks really loud and never takes off their foam finger. No fear–if you’re searching for a roommate (sans unbearable  tendencies), we’ve got you covered. 

Where to connect/find potential roommates

The most common way to find a roommate is by joining the Class of 2020 Facebook page for your respective institution. This is a great way to connect with other students who may also be looking for a roommate. If your post includes how much you love eating but still want a beach body, or how important school is to you but you still want to go out every night or how much you LOVE Netflix, then you’re on the right track.

Talking to potential roommates

From there on, people who find you interesting will contact you. If they don’t, you can contact people you have something in common with–even if it’s just your favorite color. Common questions to ask your potential roommate are “do you keep your room clean?” or “do you wake up late or early?” Undoubtedly, the most important question to ask your roommate is if they sleep with a fan on at night. This may sound ridiculous but we promise you, it’s essential. If they can’t sleep with a fan on, you will wake up in the middle of the night drowning in your own sweat. Don’t drown in your own sweat. Ask your roommate.

Deciding on a roommate

When you pick a roommate, make sure you establish some ground rules. For instance, if you plan on bringing some expensive items with you to college, make sure your roommate knows that your dorm room has to be locked at all times. Also, if you would feel uncomfortable with your roommate bringing friends to sleepover in your dorm, which is highly uncomfortable, then make sure they know that before you walk onto campus. If you really want a polka dot-themed room, make sure your roommate isn’t going to bring striped everything to college. Overall, the more things you discuss with your roommate, the better. That being said, don’t overload your roommate with rules because no one wants to be stressed.

Your roommate doesn’t need to become your new best friend. You just need to find someone you would compromise well with and be able to live with for a year. But overall, be the roommate you would want to have.