Why You Should Have at Least One Roommate in College

By Kaitlin Hurtado 

Everyone has heard a college roommate horror story that has made them cringe and rethink even considering having a roommate now or in the future. However, having a roommate has multiple benefits that could overrule many of the issues that you are thinking of when it comes to having a roommate. If you are considering having a roommate in college and are currently on the fence on whether having a roommate is worth the possible trouble, consider the following reasons of why you should have at least one roommate in college:

Having a roommate lowers the cost of your rent (and other common household costs) 

It is no secret that the cost of a college education is frighteningly high, especially when you think of its associated cost. The tuition cost may be high enough, but when it comes to paying for housing, the added cost may be enough to have you reconsider if having a roof over your head is worth the financial struggle. Instead of struggling with financial aid disbursement or paychecks from your jobs - you might want to consider getting a roommate to lower the cost of your monthly rent.

Think of the amount of rent you currently pay or are looking to pay, then cut it in half when you get one roommate (you can cut it even more when you get multiple roommates). You don't have to make paying rent near impossible when you add one or more roommate to cut the cost of your monthly rent - it's one of the many costs that are minimized when you add at least one roommate.

Having a roommate in college with also help you minimize other common household costs. Renter's insurance, monthly utilities, the security deposit are all cut down when you get to split it between multiple roommates - you won't have to shoulder the total cost of multiple fees when you have multiple roommates.

If you are going to be living in an off-campus apartment that is typically going to be unfurnished, having a roommate (or more) will also allow you to cut the cost of furnishing your apartment. Some roommates will already have some furniture to contribute - a dining table set or sofa - or be willing to chip in or buy it for themselves.

Having a roommate will give you a friend (maybe more!) 

This benefit will vary depending on the type of person you are and the type of person you are going to be living with is, but having a roommate will allow you to have another friend. You won't have to spend days and nights alone when you have a roommate, and you can have someone to seek out when you need help, or even just someone to talk to.

Having a roommate will especially help if you find yourself scared of being alone at night in your own space, or uneasy when you leave your apartment unsupervised for an extended amount of time. Chances are, your roommate will be at home at least one point, or multiple points, when you are not at home during the day or night.

You can plan roommate dinners or outings if you want to get to know each other better, or simply to spend time together. However, it's important to remember that some people prefer to draw a line with roommates to keep them as acquaintances rather than as close friends, and that is completely okay. Respect their preferences. You and your roommate(s) may not be extremely close best friends, but having a constant presence in your living space will be comforting enough.

Having a roommate is a college experience - make your own crazy roommate story

Regardless of whether all of the college roommate stories were horror stories or "cool" - they were somebody else's stories, not your own. You'll never know the type of experience you'll have and like any other life experience - you'll live and you will definitely learn from having a roommate in college.

Your college roommate may end up being your best friend. They could be the type of person that will be the focal point of many crazy college stories: all-night cram sessions during finals weeks, or nights of bar-hopping and ending up at your local diner at sunrise. Or your college roommate could end up being your own worst enemy. They could leave all their dishes in the sink and refuse to take out the trash themselves despite your constant begging.

You will never know the experience you'll get from having a roommate in college, but it really is worth the shot. Not only will you cut the cost of your rent and the costs typically associated with housing, and gain a friend, but you will come out with plenty of stories to tell later on. Whether they are horror stories or memories recounted with a fond smile - it's up to you to find out.