College Roommate Tips

Roomsurf is now FREE with Roomsurf Points!

Don't want to pay for Roomsurf?  No problem!  We've identified ways for you to upgrade your account without having to pay!  

Introducing Roomsurf Points!  Earn enough Roomsurf Points and you can upgrade your account for free by doing things that interest and help you, such as applying for scholarships!

 

Enjoy the website and tell your friends that Roomsurf is now FREE!

Roomsurf Re-Launches, Adds Schools

Roomsurf, the Facebook-based roommate matching website for college-bound high school seniors and college students re-launched on January 20th. The website has gained over 20,000 subscribers since its re-launch this year. Roomsurf has helped 175,000 students find compatible roommates from over 1,000 colleges and universities since inception. The service matches students through a proprietary algorithm that makes it easy for students to identify and connect with potential roommates. The website recently added the University of Arizona and University of Central Florida as integration partners to its platform.

 

Roommate compatibility is a factor that can greatly enhance the college experience. "Roomsurf gives students a platform to self select their future college roommates rather than leaving this important decision to chance" said Dan Thibodeau, Co-Founder of Roomsurf. "By providing a social matching experience, Roomsurf helps users narrow their roommate search by allowing them to communicate with calculated matches to find the perfect fit." A recent Michigan State University study suggests that college roommate conflicts may result in a higher rate of drop-outs or transfers to another institution. Similar research suggests that allowing students to select their own roommates may result in reduced roommate conflicts, increased academic performance and higher retention of students.

 

Aritlce Link:  http://news.yahoo.com/roomsurf-roommate-matching-college-students-launches-2012-150303180.html

Fresh New Design!

During the summer we've revamped the site and added a fresh new design, while making signing up and signing in easier. Simply click "Login with Facebook" to sign up for a new account, or to sign in to your existing account.

 

As the year progresses, we will be adding new features and new ways to find and connect with your matches. We hope you enjoy the new template, happy roomsurfing!

In the news!

We've been featured in national publications, magazines, blog posts, startup websites, and school newspapers! 

  • University of Florida student newspaper - Stephanie Ramirez interviewed Dan for the Independent Florida Alligator Newspaper in March.
  • KillerStartups - KillerStartups reviews internet startups, and has a wide readership of entrepreneurs, investors, and bloggers that keep up to date with new and upcoming web startups.
  • MakeUseOf - MakeUseOf features cool new websites and computer tips and tricks, currently with over 200,000 subscribers.

 

We have also been interviewed by several high school newspapers across the country, and will post those articles when they become available to us.

You can help by linking to the above in Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about the site, which in turn brings in more students and more potential matches!

How To Get Along With Your College Roommate

Many students will end up living with someone who is the opposite of them in many ways.  It is important to be ready and willing to accept your differences and find ways to coexist.  Your ability to do this can really improve your chances of having a positive roommate relationship. 

Its pretty funny how even the smallest things can drive us crazy after awhile!  Everyone has to understand that you can’t transform your roommate into your new best friend, but there are things you can do to make living together a lot more bearable. 

 

Here are some ideas:

 

  1. Communicate.  Your roommate cannot read your mind, so if something is bothering you, bring it up in a non-defensive way.  Chances are, your roommate isn’t even aware of the problem.

 

  1. Focus on behavior, not personality.  You can’t expect to get people to change who they are, but you can ask them to consider how they express themselves, especially if it is offensive.

 

  1. Be flexible.  No one is perfect, and it isn’t your job to fix anyone else.  Be willing to look at your own behavior as well.  Consider what you could do differently to help the situation instead of only blaming your roommate.

 

  1. Approach one problem at a time.  There could be a number of things that you don’t like about your roommate, or their behavior.  Instead of complaining about everything that they do wrong, and why you don’t like them, try focusing on one problem first and working towards a solution.

 

Adaptability and flexibility are key here.  Living with one or several new people can be a challenge, but can also be a great learning experience if you allow it to be!

What is RoomSurf?

RoomSurf is a new website the helps students identify and connect with compatible roommates.  Many of you will graduate and go off to college, never having shared a living space with another person.  Roommate compatibility can really have an impact on your college living experience so take time and get to know other people.  Don’t settle for the first person you meet because there are hundreds if not thousands of other students in your incoming class to meet!