As the RHS Class of 2025 prepares to head to college in just a few months, many seniors are discovering that finding the perfect roommate can be both exciting and stressful.
This year’s college admissions process has been one of the most competitive yet, with an unprecedented number of rejections, waitlists and acceptances. According to a recent study on NPR, “the Class of 2025 is projected to be the largest in the history of the United States at around 3.9 million students. This increased competition among students will not only make it harder to get accepted to schools, but also harder to find a compatible roommate as well.
“The processes of trying to find a roommate is hard yet easy at the same time,” senior Kate Sullivan said. “It is easy because you just have to post and reach out to people you are interested in rooming with, but it is hard having the same conversation multiple times trying to find someone who will be a good fit.”
Once students commit to college, the hunt to find the perfect roommate begins. Many admitted students turn to their colleges’ “Class of 2029” Instagram pages and Facebook groups, where they post bios and pictures of themselves, in hopes that others with similar lifestyles and interests can connect with them as potential roommates.
“The process is fun but also frustrating,” senior Sarah Reyes said. “It’s exciting meeting new people and making new friends, but annoying because it’s a long process. I originally found a roommate and I talked to her for a while, but she ended up not going to that school. I had to restart the whole process and eventually found my roommate.”
Seniors who spoke with Rampage said that choosing a roommate requires several key considerations; sleep schedules, social activities and personal interests help determine the right person. For many, their roommate is one of the first friendships they make in this new chapter of their lives.
Senior Jaclyn Mars went through an exhaustive process to find a roommate. “I first posted on the class on 2029 Instagram, then reached out to many girls who shared my interests,” she said. “After a while, I figured out what type of person I wanted as a roommate. I reached out to someone who seemed like a good match, and after talking for a few weeks, we met in person and decided to room together. It was stressful, but social media made it easier. I think Instagram was more helpful than the housing forms.”
Although the process may be stressful, once students find a roommate, the fun part begins. Deepening your connection with your roommate and designing your dorm room are enjoyable ways to lead up to your first year of college.
