How to make sure your roommate isn't psycho

So, you've picked a college... that means the life altering decisions are over, right? WRONG. Next, it's time to pick your roommate. There are various different processes you can do to go about finding the perfect roommate. Here are my thoughts on the roommate picking process.

1. Potluck is not a good idea.

My sister had a friend who went to college and did potluck. Long story short, the roommate used Facebook to pretend to be a guy and date her roommate. If that's not enough to scare you out of potluck, simply google "roommate horror stories." I once read a story where the this girl's roommate's insane boyfriend put glass and drano chemicals in her roommate's food after she told him to stop hanging around their room. This girl had to go to the ER, puking up blood, and she literally almost died. Remember the movie with Leighton Meester? That could be your life. In conclusion, if you go potluck, your roommate's boyfriend might try to KILL YOU.

2. The Facebook method

I have a lot of friends who are currently searching for or have picked their roommate using the Facebook method. Tons of colleges have Facebook groups for their incoming freshman, where people post some basic information about themselves, saying they are "looking for a roommate." From there, you message anyone that seems like they might make a good fit or anyone that comments on your request for a roommate in order to get to know eachother better. This way, you know what you're getting. You can see the person's photos and have an actual conversation before you move in with a crazy. However, ALWAYS meet your roommate IN PERSON. Have you ever seen the show Catfish? Although some of it looks fake, the situation is possible. You need to be careful, and meet your roommate in person. Do not trust Facebook wholeheartedly! Even so, as long as you meet in person, I think using Facebook is a great option, especially for people going to smaller schools or schools where they don't know anyone.

3. Friend of a friend

This is another method that I completely support. Room with a friend of a friend. 

"Oh you're going to OU? I have this friend from another school in the area that's going there too! Y'all should room together! Here let me give you her information."

This is a great idea. You can get to know each other and see if you're compatible as roommates, and it's easy since you're probably in the same area. Plus, if your friend is her friend, she's probably not psycho. Obviously, you still need to meet and see if you have that magical roommate connection, but this way you know your roommate isn't crazy, while still getting to meet someone new.

4. Ignore what people tell you and room with you BFF

This is what I'm doing. My roommate has been on the drill team (dance team) at school with me for 2 years now. She's not my absolute closest bestie for the restie, but we are definitely bestfriends. I know that rooming with your bestfriend is supposed to be completely off limits, but my sister roomed with her bestfriend since childhood. They're still good. My sister is going to be the matron of honor in her wedding this summer, so trust me; it didn't ruin their friendship. I understand the worries of rooming with someone you're so close to, but I think that you should be able to tell if your friend is someone you can or can't room with. Many of my friends I COULD NOT room with, but my roommate and I are very compatible. We are similar enough where we have fun together, but we are different enough where our lives won't be overwhelmed by each other's presence. I like this method because I know what I'm getting into. On various trips with drill team, we've roomed together, and I know all about her. I know her quirks and pet peeves. I'm not going in blind, but when rooming with your bestfriend, use your judgment. Not everyone can room with their bestfriend.

5. Just some things to consider when picking a rooommate

-sleeping habits

-religion

-cleanliness

-study habits

-social habits: drinking, smoking, late nights, parties, bringing guys home, etc.

-anything you can possibly think of: remember you are living with this person!

These are my tips and opinions on roommates for now. They could very easily change in the next few months. Everything could go horribly wrong for my roommate and I. Maybe she's just faking being my bestfriend. Maybe she really IS a killer. I'll let you know if I end up in the hospital.... Wish me luck!

140 more days... Until then keep calm and boomer sooner!