Roomies

Xavier Baisden
When coming to a place of higher learning, one of the first things that students typically have to adjust to first is living with a roommate. Most students have become accustomed to living in a much larger room by themselves, so the prospect of living in a smaller room while having to share it with someone else is quite harrowing. However, having a roommate can be quite beneficial in many ways.
One of the main differences encountered when having a roommate can be simply realizing that someone else is in the room. This can be a double-bladed sword, as it will provide you with someone to talk to at times when you need to converse with, but it also prevents you from having privacy whenever you need some space. However, having someone from a different background to converse with can open your eyes to different practices. Many students have been raised by their parents to think there is only one train of thought when it comes to home life. This mindset can be slightly molded or radically changed when the student gets to college, as they will likely encounter many other cultures and practices as they observe others and what they consider to be normal.
Having a positive relationship with a roommate can be quite beneficial, as they can be the person to lift you up when you are feeling down, help you with homework problems, or even take care of you when you are sick. The relationship between roommates will typically last long past the time you spend together in college, due to the amount of time you have spent together, and can have many long-lasting positive effects.