There might be one downside to the college experience.
Roommates.
Roommates, depending on who they are, can be a big deal to reckon with. Whether they’re party animals, clean freaks to the point it’s unnecessary to you, or decent people. You’ll never know until they uncover their secrets.
This is one of the college life situations new college students should have low expectations with, especially if they wanted to live alone ideally. On the plus side, they can help pay bills from time to time, but that doesn’t always happen.
Here are a few types of roommates to possibly expect.
Roommate #1: The Hermit
It’s pretty self-explanatory based on the name itself. Hermits are the ones that never really leave their home. Hermits enjoy the comfort of their home and rarely go to class.
They don’t participate in college activities, they usually just do hobbies they enjoy, like playing games, or watching Solar Opposites on HULU.
One tip to consider is to make conversation with the roommate and make sure they are comfortable to be around.
Roommate #2: The Neat Freak
Now there are benefits from neat freaks; they can give you ideas on how to tidy up better and find ways to clean.
However, neat freaks can go over the line. It’s said to have this kind of roommate is a challenge.
From having a preference for making their bed every morning to making snide remarks about your personal hygiene. One tip is to keep the mess to a minimum, and best to focus on your area.
Roommate #3: The Passive-Aggressive One
People who are passive-aggressive tend to not speak their minds or be straightforward about things. This can leave constant tension and maybe a held grudge for a while.
One tip to avoid passive-aggressiveness is to ask what is bothering them when there’s a change of attitude and tension in the room or discuss it beforehand when meeting a new roommate.
Roommate #4: The Party Goer
Party people are the ones who party all night and maybe sleep all day and do it all over again.
The downside about this is the other roommate’s perspective, as they are trying to study or have a piece of mind. As well as sleep. Therefore, this kind of habit can be a pain.
A tip for this is to agree on when would be best for quiet hours.
Or if you’re bold, make them sleep in their friend’s dorm.
These are some of the types of roommates you may experience at least once in your college life. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to stick with it.
Here are some tips on knowing your college roommates.
∞ Have low expectations: In general, it would be best to have low expectations on anything.
Having a roommate is one of them.
A roommate is someone you want to get along with. However, there’s that 50% chance of them becoming your BFF. Living a decent college living will help you get through college smoothly.
∞ Converse with them: This action is best done ASAP. People say the sooner the better. Then, you can discuss boundaries and know how they are like beforehand.
∞ Discuss study habits: The one downside of this factor is never lining up the all-nighters and exams based on your schedules. It’s also best to motivate your roommate, especially if they’re struggling to study.
It’s possible roommates can be a downside when going to college. They could be a big deal, or they are compatible with you living with one another. It’s best to have low expectations and prepare what you’re signing up for.
Works Cited
Pros, Noodle. “10 Tips For Living With A College Roommate.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 24 Aug. 2016,
Shaffer, Suzanne. “10 Types of College Roommates.” CollegiateParent, 30 Oct. 2019,
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pakarwadee Tiebklang
Student Author - Spring 2021
