If you’re a freshman right now, you’re probably panicking at the idea of deciding where you’re living next year and who you’re living with. The thought of moving in with people you either met all of two months ago or people you have yet to meet is scary. What if friendships fall apart? What if you can’t find a good house or apartment? What if, what if, what if? It just feels so far away and yet dauntingly imminent at the same time.
Well, I was there, too. By October of freshman year, I had a solid group of friends that I loved, but in the back of my mind, I was still wondering Will this last? and How do I know this will work out? I wasn’t the only one. With the seeming urgency of finding housing in Ann Arbor and the associated stress of the unknown, I’m here to tell you that it will be ok. Here’s some wisdom and advice to ease your fears:
- You do not have to be best friends with your roommates. If I’ve learned anything from living in both a house and an apartment and hearing about my friend’s experiences it’s that respect is the most important thing between roommates, not necessarily friendship. If you’re living with people who respect your space, contribute to apartment chores and are generally just nice people, you’ll be just fine.
- Going off of the last point, if you’re not friends with your roommates, you’ll probably get more done. I really underestimated how much time I would spend just sitting in my living room talking about absolutely nothing so believe me, it’s not the worst thing in the world to have a space where you can just focus.
- On the other hand, if you are friends with your potential roomies and you’re worried that the friendship might implode before you move in next year do not worry! Yes, it can seem like you need to sign a lease right now but a) you totally do not have to (there will be deals going on throughout the year for various apartment buildings and there will still be space in a couple months) and b) refer to points 1 and 2: you totally do not have to be besties with your roomies. Maybe the girls you meet seem like they’re forever friends now, and by next year it turns out they’re not. That’s ok!
Basically, I know that figuring out your living situation for next year is stressful, but it does not have to define your entire next year of college. So, take some deep breaths, consider your options, and remember that while the unknown is scary, we’ve all been there before and you will figure it out.