Like many freshman coming to K-State, I was curious whether or not I should room with someone I knew.
As K-State Housing and Dining Services puts it, “Rooming with someone you don’t already know is a great opportunity to meet someone new. Often friendships can be strained if the roommate component is added. Whether you know your roommate(s) or not, there are bound to be many joys and some challenges along the way.”
Therefore, I decided to “potluck,” meaning I took my chances with a roommate I didn’t already know. I ended up being paired with someone who now seems somewhat like a sister. Gabby Dube, freshman in architecture, has been my space sharer for a semester who has encompassed herself in my college journey.
Living together the past semester has been quite an experience. We may have our differences, but we have a similar outlook in life. Both of us like being happy, especially around each other.
We help each other in our own ways. I am the study influencer, and she’s the one that reminds me that there is more to life than studying and grades.
We both love writing. Multiple times we have written letters to each other. Not only do we enjoy this old-fashioned form of communication, but it also brings out the positivity in each of us. These notes are always signed off as “Love, Roomie.”
Since Gabby is from Oklahoma, she is among the 29.8 percent of out-of-state students at K-State. I adore how she shows her unique location, from easily being cold to her oddly-pronounced “Okie” words.
Overall, going potluck gave me a new experience that I appreciate. While it is still important to stay close with old friends, making a new connection via a living experience brings two people together.
Roommates can be your partners through day-to-day problem solving, your companion in late night talks, and the holder of the smile you see at the end of each day.
To have a good relationship with roommates, there are certain steps that should be taken to insure a healthy connection between room pals. First, spend time together at the beginning of the school year. Also, be sure to be peaceful and diplomatic when having disagreements. Mark clear boundaries of what you envision the environment in the room being.
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Also, one of the best parts about college is being open about what you experience. Roommates are great, but it is important to not feel trapped or uncomfortable, and it is perfectly fine to continue finding better living situations as well. If you are not comfortable with your roommate yet unsure if it is worth the switch, take into consideration other factors and make a logical decision on your own.
Sierra Staatz is a freshman in chemical engineering. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
