Horror stories never fail to impress when it comes to random roommates, so naturally, students steer clear. It’s simpler to avoid the chaos when you can rely on a friend or a trusted peer, right?
I have heard countless stories of long-term friendships ending over a petty fight involving an unwashed dish or invaded refrigerator space. Although this isn’t the case for all, living with someone you know can be different from going out to dinner or spending the night with them.
With a random roommate, the stakes are lower. You can feel more at ease telling them to take out the trash or wash their dishes. Also, if things don’t work out and you happen to part ways, there is less emotional attachment.
This semester I opted for a random roommate. Adjusting to and incorporating a new person into your life can be a difficult yet rewarding experience. My new roommate introduced me to groups on campus that I never would’ve met otherwise and initiated conversation topics I never thought I would have discussed. Through this process, I have met someone who will be a friend for the remainder of my time on the Forty Acres and beyond.
Broadening your social circles is one of the many perks that comes with a random roommate. UT is teeming with social organizations, from business fraternities to fashion clubs, many of which I didn’t even know existed without the help of my new roommate.
Even if your new roommate happens to not be UT-affiliated, there are perspectives to be gained outside of the University community. Sustainability studies senior Olivia Navarro had three new, non-UT roommates this past semester. She discussed how she was able to comfortably live with new people.
“It was kind of just hanging out in our common spaces, cooking together, going on errands together, doing all the typical roommate stuff and being open to that even though they were strangers,” Navarro said.
A roommate is a built-in friend who you are meant to have a symbiotic relationship with, sharing chores, casual conversations and a mutual respect for one another. Taking the time to get to know your random roommate can help create a solid living situation.
Business junior Grace Jones lived with five new roommates this past semester.
“(Random living) taught me to be more open-minded,” Jones said. “I had no idea the personalities I was going to be living with. I came into it with an open mind and it taught me the benefits of expanding your circle.”
Having a random roommate can be fulfilling if you take the necessary steps: setting boundaries, establishing mutual respect, and demonstrating interest. Show you care. Opting for a random roommate can be a scary thought, but taking precautions and a leap of faith can lead to unexpected opportunities during your time at UT.
Shenoy is an economics sophomore from Houston, Texas.
