For incoming college freshmen, the transition from high school to college can be overwhelming and stressful. Finding a roommate can feel even more intimidating. In an online world, social media has perpetuated the pressures of finding a roommate for freshman year. Scrolling through social media, endless college roommate disaster stories appear. These stories contribute to a selection process that is both daunting and anxiety-inducing.
Peyten Liu (she/her), 12, is an incoming freshman at the University of Iowa next school year. She went on a more traditional route in her selection process, opting for a roommate matching portal provided by the University of Iowa.
“I wanted to find a roommate that I didn’t already know, but I also didn’t want to live with someone completely random for the next year,” Liu said.
In the roommate matching portal at the University of Iowa, students are matched with individuals who have similar interests, habits and living preferences. From there, a potential list of students is given to choose from. Through a quick search on social media, Liu was able to find and connect with multiple potential roommates.
While social media can be a powerful tool in helping find compatible roommates, it can also be deceiving. Social media provides a glimpse into one’s life; a highlight reel. Because of this, it is not always an accurate insight into who someone is as a person. Liu also discussed the flipside of this; being perceived by others through social media.
“It was intimidating to think about how people were judging me based on my Instagram page, when I don’t think that is an accurate depiction of who I am,” Liu said.
Many incoming freshmen go down the route of rooming with a high school friend(s). Ethan Shields (he/him), 12, is rooming with two of his friends from high school. A big priority for Shields is making sure he will be living in a tidy environment.
“With the roommates that invited me, I know they are well-mannered, clean and are enjoyable to be around, which makes it easy to say yes to them,” Shields said.
While some dislike the idea of living with high school friends, Aubrey Meyer (she/her), 12, sees it as a positive. She believes that starting college with familiar faces will provide a built-in support system during a time of major change.
“I feel like, for me, the transition will be less nerve-wracking since I know the girls I will be living with,” Meyer said.
With the uncertainty of college, having a piece of home can provide a sense of comfort. Meyer looks forward to navigating a new chapter of her life with her friends by her side.
As graduation nears, Liberty seniors decide on roommates that will set them up for success in their future. Whether they’re choosing old friends, or taking a chance on someone new, the roommate decision can shape their college experience in meaningful ways.
