Soulmate or Roommate?

Ways To Find a Roommate for College

Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash

As the school year comes to a close, the class of 2025 is soon to be the class of 2029. Going to college after senior year can be nerve-wracking, especially when it comes to meeting new people and finding a roommate. While some schools pick for you, many universities allow you to request a roommate. If your college or university is one of those, here are five methods to explore when beginning the search for a person you’ll connect with, and ultimately share a home with during freshman year of college.

1. Social media

The most commonly used method of finding a good roommate match is through social media. Specifically, Instagram is the most popular platform, as almost every college and university will have an active freshman class page, generally run by current students. On these pages, potential and newly admitted students can submit a short bio about themselves and pictures to display personality and establish connections with like-minded people. Posting on these Instagram accounts as well as finding people to reach out to on the accounts is a great way to spark conversation and get to know various students in the same situation. Social media is not only a good way to find a roommate but also the beginning of connecting to other incoming freshmen making new friends.

2. Admitted students events

Admitted student events, commonly held by colleges in the spring once application season is coming to a close, is another great option to search for a roommate. This is a good way to see who you connect with as you meet other students face-to-face in person in the environment where you’ll be living together. For those who connect more with people in person, going to admitted student events may lead you to the perfect roommate match.

3. Roommate finder websites and apps

There are various websites dedicated to connecting incoming college freshmen in the hopes of finding a roommate. Some of these websites, such as MeetYourClass.com, connect with Instagram accounts, but also have its own website platform that provides other chats, profiles and matching strategies that students can use to find someone they’ll vibe with. Additionally, roommate finder apps, such as ZeeMee which is specifically designed for finding roommates and talking to other incoming freshmen, is another good option for finding your perfect dorm match.

4. Go random

Most colleges and universities have the option to choose a random roommate, even if it isn’t required. Though many are afraid of this option, sometimes it works out great, providing new perspectives and a transition from the comfort zone of familiarity into a fresh experience. Some colleges will even have a form that students can fill out, then try to match together people with similar interests and backgrounds. Despite it being a hit-or-miss method, more often than not, a random roommate will work out.

5. Room with someone from your high school

There is always the option of picking a roommate from a more local standpoint. Though it is good to try and meet new people in college, some may find themselves preferring to room with someone familiar from high school. Knowing your roommate beforehand has the benefit of removing the pressure of going through early stages of small-talk and trying to bond with people online. Choosing someone from your school is always a safe resort that will likely lead to a good dorm experience.

Although the process of finding a roommate can often be scary and tedious, there are various steps you can take in order to find the perfect person to live in a dorm with! Overall, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and reach out to people. You might just find your perfect match.