Ever since I was little, I dreamed about going to college. I come from a large family. My oldest sister was an incoming freshman at the University of Florida (UF) when I was born, and when I was just beginning kindergarten, my brother left to attend UF. Growing up, I heard all about their experiences as Gators, whether it be about their favorite professors, all the greatness associated with gamedays or their lifelong friendships. These conversations made me always want to attend UF for a similar positive college experience. Out of everything my older siblings told me, I had always been most curious about what life was like living with roommates.
Before attending college, I heard countless horror stories and was advised about how to live with other people. These conversations made me feel apprehensive and unconfident about the new living situation. Still, I quickly learned there’s so much more to living with people than these few unfortunate stories. A roommate can help you create a sense of belonging, enhance your academic performance and allow you to find a support network, according to an article by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ question and answer form.
It wasn’t until I lived with an incredible roommate my first year and three of my best friends this year that I realized how amazing living with roommates truly would be. My roommates have become my best friends, and my UF experience would be completely different without them. Here are my favorite parts about having roommates:
1. There’s always somebody there
While this might seem obvious, with three other roommates, there is always somebody to hang out with or talk to. Loneliness is not an option, and making plans has never been easier. I simply sit in the living room or walk up to their doors. Sharing about our days or spending time with someone at a random hour of the day is always nice.
2. Debriefs
Every morning after a night out or an event, we all go to the living room to review everything that happened. We talk and laugh for hours on end. Sometimes, the debriefing is more fun than the event itself. As time passes, these conversations usually involve more than just the four of us, as our other friends come over to join in on the debrief.
3. Movie Nights
While I don’t love watching TV, my roommates always have something playing, whether a new series or a trending movie. Each night, when the series is interesting, I look forward to watching an episode together on the couch. It is an excellent way to end our busy days full of classes, homework and other external involvements.
4. Study Dates
I rarely go to the library alone now that I live with three of my best friends. Studying with my roommates is better than going alone, and we can hold each other accountable. I feel more motivated to complete my assignments when I know others are being productive too. I enjoy being able to work toward our goals together.
5. Group workouts
Despite being active for most of my life, going to the gym this year has felt like a chore. My roommates and I have all set workout goals to encourage ourselves to stay healthy and fit. We typically go to the gym in our apartment, and I love learning new workouts from them and trying new machines.
6. Constantly Hosting
Our apartment is always full of people, which I love. Whether it is us hanging out before an event, debriefing what happened the day prior, watching a movie or eating a meal, there are usually other people visiting. It is impossible to feel lonely in our apartment when many friends come in and out.
7. Sharing Clothes
With four closets, one of us is bound to have something necessary for an outfit. Sharing a dress for a date function, borrowing random pieces for Gasparilla, using another’s outfit for a sorority bid day or using someone’s jacket when it’s chilly are just a few of the many times we have all utilized one another’s wardrobe. I have never had more clothing options!
8. Getting ready together in the kitchen
Recently, we had the idea to get ready together. Getting ready by ourselves in our rooms isn’t nearly as fun as bringing out our LED mirrors, makeup and hair tools to the kitchen counter. We blast music and talk to get ourselves excited about whatever we have going on. Now, we all look forward to getting ready together.
9. Running errands together
We have become pretty co-dependent and can’t seem to ever spend too much time together. Making a quick stop at Publix, driving to Trader Joe’s or picking up something random at another store in Gainesville is always better when done together.
10. Someone to care for you
Recently, when I was sick, my roommates were my heroes. They picked up my medicine and food deliveries and made sure that I was feeling okay. Being sick without their help would’ve been challenging. Their kindness and care were super generous and greatly appreciated. Helping me out when sick is just one of the many times that my roommates have been there to care for me. Having reliable people in your life when you are far from home is very helpful. My roommates are all great listeners when someone has a bad day or a problem or when one of us reaches a goal and has something exciting to share. Having people care about me and having people to care about at all times has been so rewarding.
In my experience, there are so many more pros than cons when it comes to having roommates. Living with three of my best friends has given me constant entertainment and support. I hope this makes you look forward to living with friends in college, as I cannot wait to live with these girls for the rest of my time in college and maybe after.