6 Ways To Get To Know Your Roommate

By Ashley Paskill

Like many students, you are likely getting ready to start college for the first time or head back for another year. Whether it is your first time or your fourth year, you can have a roommate you do not know. Even if you already know your roommate, there is always more to learn about them. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get to know your roommate, both on and off campus!

Communicate

Communication is crucial, and talking to your roommate can help you get to know your roommate better. Even something as simple as talking about what they did over the summer or what they are planning on doing this weekend can be super informative. You may also choose to write down a few questions you would like to know, like where they grew up or what they do in their free time. Asking these kinds of questions can be done in person when you move in or even before move-in day through phone calls, texts, or social media.

Speaking of social media, you can follow their social media accounts as a way to get to know them. This way, you can see what kinds of things they enjoy doing and you will be able to get different topics for things to talk about when you do meet in person. Look for commonalities in hobbies, music, and other things you enjoy.

Watch TV shows together

One popular thing that most people do is watch TV. Many people have a favorite TV show and this is likely true of you and your roommate. Take turns binge-watching TV shows that you enjoy. Even if you do not like the same show, learning about what you both like and dislike will help you get to know each other better. If you have not seen each other’s favorite shows, watching them will help you learn about each other. You may even decide to start watching a TV show you both have not seen. This will give you something new to explore together and talk about.

Spa day

Depending on your schedule and budget, you and your roommate can have your own spa day. This could mean going to a spa on the weekend and getting facials and massages. This may also mean setting something up in your apartment or dorm and having a DIY spa day. Do each other’s nails. Go to a mall that has massage kiosks or massage chairs and get a mini massage if you are unable to afford a spa massage. Do facials using things you make from scratch. These will all help you save money while having fun and getting to know each other.

Attend orientation together

If you are both freshmen, arrange so that you are at orientation together, especially if there are multiple orientation sessions. This will help you know someone else in your group and have someone you can explore campus with. Make note of places you want to go and things you want to do together both on and off campus. If orientation requires that you both have to spend the night, room together so you can get a taste of how it will be living together, especially if you have not had a chance to meet up in person before.

Décor crafts

Whether you are living in a dorm or an apartment, you have a chance to decorate your space with your roommate. This is a great opportunity to learn about your roommate’s style and likes. Set up a day in the first few weeks of the semester when you and your roommate do crafts and create décor items for your space. Not only is this a fun way to get to know each other, but it is also a great way to learn new skills and save money on expensive décor items. Making things yourself will give you a sense of pride and you will have a memory with your roommate that you can cherish for years to come.

Volunteer together

There is nothing better than being able to find out what kinds of things your roommate cares about. This can be done by volunteering together. Take turns picking out causes you love and do something to help make a difference in this area. If your roommate does not have a cause they support or they do not want to volunteer at all, this can also say a lot about them but be gentle and nonjudgmental with them. Be willing to try new things and learn new skills. You may even want to see if your school has a club or organization that is focused on providing students with opportunities to volunteer and get involved. This is helpful if you are unsure where to start or are not as familiar with the community around your school.

Getting to know your roommate as early in the semester as possible can help make the rest of the semester and school year manageable, and luckily, there are a variety of ways to do so.