This summer I decided to pretend to act like an adult and be responsible. I listened to the advice of my advisor and signed up for a summer Chemistry class. I purchased an overpriced textbook, became “the regular” at a nearby coffee shop, and traded in extra episodes of Netflix for PowerPoint notes.
Yet today, surprisingly enough, Pinterest seemed more interesting that Lewis Structures, Solubility Rules, and Ionic Bonds. So five minutes ago, I picked up my phone, started scrolling, and stumbled upon a pin called, “10 Things Your College Roommate Taught You.” Intrigued, I opened the pin and proceeded to read an article about boys, skipping class, and finding the biggest parties.
Long story short: Here’s my edited and personal list of the 10 Things My College Roommate Taught Me.
1. Mold is colorful, but clean dishes are better. This sounds like a strange one, but believe me when I tell you that I’ve seriously considered adding “Mold Detector” to my resumé. I’m all for color, style, and even new smells… but I love clean coffee cups. Soap is a good thing to find in college.
2. 3am study sessions really do work. Microwave soup at 3am, create strange mnemonics, and ace your tests. Finding success is so much easier when someone who believes in you is right next to you. You can do a lot on your own, but you can do so much more together.
3. People come from different backgrounds. This is huge. Unless you’re living with your twin, chances are that you didn’t grow up in the same household environment. People have different preferences, styles, and choices… And your job is to respect that.
4. Find the similarities. Whether it’s your major, your faith, your Netflix account, or your circle of friends… Find a level to connect on. You don’t have to spend every moment together, and you will probably kill each other if you do, but life is a lot easier when you can share memories and moments together.
5. Ask for help. Maybe you’re a superstar and maybe you have your life figured out, but chances are that you will struggle dealing with something between August and May. Open up. Learn to trust someone. Your roommate can only help if you let them.
6. Just say yes. Go adventure! You don’t have to be stupid to have fun, and being smart doesn’t mean you can’t leave the library. Take road trips, meet new people, and say yes to the crazy ideas that your roommate thinks of. You won’t regret it.
7. Learn to apologize. I’m not my mother and therefore I am not right every single time. The hardest thing in life is realizing that you’re not perfect all the time, and often times, you’re wrong. But you can break down so many barriers by simply accepting the truth and moving on in life. Start with “I’m Sorry.” It’s worth it.
8. Skip the Sugar Free. Some days will be rough, and some days you will need to sit on a futon, eat ice cream, and listen to your roommate rant. Put down your phone, give them your time, and never buy the Sugar Free Ice Cream… No matter how good the sale at SuperSaver is. Ice cream just isn’t the same without the sugar.
9. Be honest. If you’re asked for a word of advice, chances are, your advice is appreciated and desired. Be gracious, be respectful, but tell the truth. Odds are that you know what your roommate needs to hear more than most people will.
10. Sometimes roommate is just another word for mom. Your dorm is your home away from home, and therefore, your roommate is your mom away from home. Be there to listen. Drive each other to Lincare. Show your support. Lend your phone charger and stay up too late talking. Be each other’s sister, friend, roommate, and mom.
College is weird and living in a dorm room that is the size of a walk-in closet can be rough. I thank God every day that I had a roommate to survive this year with. If summer means that I don’t have a sidekick 25 hours a day and I can’t binge watch Grey’s Anatomy after a long night… then let’s start a countdown to August. Here’s to you Evelyn Mae. Thanks for starting out as a roommate and becoming a forever friend.
Yet today, surprisingly enough, Pinterest seemed more interesting that Lewis Structures, Solubility Rules, and Ionic Bonds. So five minutes ago, I picked up my phone, started scrolling, and stumbled upon a pin called, “10 Things Your College Roommate Taught You.” Intrigued, I opened the pin and proceeded to read an article about boys, skipping class, and finding the biggest parties.
Long story short: Here’s my edited and personal list of the 10 Things My College Roommate Taught Me.
1. Mold is colorful, but clean dishes are better. This sounds like a strange one, but believe me when I tell you that I’ve seriously considered adding “Mold Detector” to my resumé. I’m all for color, style, and even new smells… but I love clean coffee cups. Soap is a good thing to find in college.
2. 3am study sessions really do work. Microwave soup at 3am, create strange mnemonics, and ace your tests. Finding success is so much easier when someone who believes in you is right next to you. You can do a lot on your own, but you can do so much more together.
3. People come from different backgrounds. This is huge. Unless you’re living with your twin, chances are that you didn’t grow up in the same household environment. People have different preferences, styles, and choices… And your job is to respect that.
4. Find the similarities. Whether it’s your major, your faith, your Netflix account, or your circle of friends… Find a level to connect on. You don’t have to spend every moment together, and you will probably kill each other if you do, but life is a lot easier when you can share memories and moments together.
5. Ask for help. Maybe you’re a superstar and maybe you have your life figured out, but chances are that you will struggle dealing with something between August and May. Open up. Learn to trust someone. Your roommate can only help if you let them.
6. Just say yes. Go adventure! You don’t have to be stupid to have fun, and being smart doesn’t mean you can’t leave the library. Take road trips, meet new people, and say yes to the crazy ideas that your roommate thinks of. You won’t regret it.
7. Learn to apologize. I’m not my mother and therefore I am not right every single time. The hardest thing in life is realizing that you’re not perfect all the time, and often times, you’re wrong. But you can break down so many barriers by simply accepting the truth and moving on in life. Start with “I’m Sorry.” It’s worth it.
8. Skip the Sugar Free. Some days will be rough, and some days you will need to sit on a futon, eat ice cream, and listen to your roommate rant. Put down your phone, give them your time, and never buy the Sugar Free Ice Cream… No matter how good the sale at SuperSaver is. Ice cream just isn’t the same without the sugar.
9. Be honest. If you’re asked for a word of advice, chances are, your advice is appreciated and desired. Be gracious, be respectful, but tell the truth. Odds are that you know what your roommate needs to hear more than most people will.
10. Sometimes roommate is just another word for mom. Your dorm is your home away from home, and therefore, your roommate is your mom away from home. Be there to listen. Drive each other to Lincare. Show your support. Lend your phone charger and stay up too late talking. Be each other’s sister, friend, roommate, and mom.
College is weird and living in a dorm room that is the size of a walk-in closet can be rough. I thank God every day that I had a roommate to survive this year with. If summer means that I don’t have a sidekick 25 hours a day and I can’t binge watch Grey’s Anatomy after a long night… then let’s start a countdown to August. Here’s to you Evelyn Mae. Thanks for starting out as a roommate and becoming a forever friend.