“I’m looking for someone who can stay in and watch Netflix but also go out and go to parties with me!”
“My favorite shows are Shameless, One Tree Hill, and The Office.”
“I’m into rap but honestly listen to anything! I have a super diverse music taste.”
“Message me if you’re interested!”
“Looking for somebody who can be a gym buddy!”
“I’m very outdoorsy. Looking for someone who would be open to adventuring with me!”
These comments may seem like they are found on a soulmate finding site, like eHarmony or Match.com. In a way, they are. These are posts created by incoming college freshmen eager to find their perfect roommate.
Because the college process is not already extensive enough, social media has complicated the roommate selection process. After students receive an acceptance to their top college, they have one more elite person to impress: their (possible) future roommate.
Essentially every college has a Facebook page where accepted students can post. Many choose to post their “looking for a roommate” ad in this spot. Students post a short biography of themselves, along with a few carefully selected pictures that make them look fun, attractive, and happy. Then they wait.
The process that follows is akin to the awkward “talking” stage before a relationship, it starts with an eager, but not too eager, comment on the initial post. For instance, one might comment, “Hey, I’m a theatre major too! We should talk :)”. From there, the two potential future roommates message back and forth until one drops the question: Will you room with me?
This process is a relatively new one that future college freshmen may have trouble navigating. Luckily, there are Woodland alumni to offer their safe advice on the subject.
DO: Be honest! It may be tempting to hide the unappealing parts of yourself from a potential roommate, but there is no space for secrets in a 12 by 19 feet dorm room.
“The best things to put are just the truthful things about how you live. Like if you’re neat or messy, do you like loud music, when you go to bed, and if you like to have people over a lot.”
-Ava Capuno
DON’T: Be shy.
“It can be intimidating but I saw my roommates post and literally just messaged her and was like “hey! I saw your post and you’re super pretty” or something like that and we just started talking. Everyone is just as unsure as you are so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.”
-Ava Capuano
DO: Disclose if you have a significant other who you plan on visiting the dorm room.
“I met my old roommate on Facebook and she ended up having a 27 year old boyfriend who she went home to visit every single weekend. We are not roommates anymore. I have since moved and love my roommate now, who i met in person first.”
-Bianca Poehailos
DON’T: Settle! Although you might grow panicky, wait until you find someone who is actually a good match rather than agreeing to room with the first person you chat with. Don’t commit too fast in fear of being left alone (is this a relationship advice column or what?).
“Definitely just talk to people a bunch before you choose so that you don’t end up with someone you’re not compatible with.”
-Kyla Porter
Tina is the Executive Social Media Director, and in charge of managing Hawk Headlines. She has spent three full semesters here, and is heavily involved with theater. Tina describes herself as a "pop culture aficionado".
