Why Roommates Should Have The Same Relationship Status

By Gretchen Kernbach on March 15, 2016

Searching for a roommate is one of the most exciting things you will do before your freshman year of college starts. When using a college roommate finder, people consider homework and sleeping habits, as well as personality and, of course, partying behavior.

What perspective freshman do not really consider, however, is someone’s relationship status. This may seem like an insignificant matter, but when you both are living in one room for almost eight months, it can make a big difference.

My advice: try to find a roommate who has the same relationship status as you. If you are single, look for someone else who is. Vice versa, if you are in a relationship it would be smart to room with someone else who also is in one. Believe it or not, personalities can clash when the two do not line up.

Here are four scenarios you could find yourself in.

Both in a Relationship

When both you and your roommate are committed to someone, pressure is taken off on the party scene. Both of you can go out together and neither have to worry about the other one ditching to go hook up with someone else; something I have had happen to me multiple times.

Another plus, if both of your partners go to the same college then that means double dates. Nothing is better than having a buddy-couple to do things with. It can get awkward being the only couple in a group of single friends who secretly resent you. Trust me, I have been there too.

Image via livescience.com

Venting to your roommate about your boyfriend/girlfriend is a part of the dating-college-experience. Why room with someone who has no idea what they are talking about? It is better to talk with someone who understands your position; therefore, make sure your roommate is also in a relationship. Very simple concept.

Both Single

Like the last scenario, this aspect can also affect your experience with the party scene at college. If both you and your roommate are single, you can both be on the prowl at night, complimenting each other as wingmen. No one has to stay back with the other who is in a relationship and keep them company at night.

Another pro, no one has to listen to the other complain about something their significant other did. Instead, together you can both make fun of all the students in relationships. It seems like a better world when two roommates have the same relationship status.

You are Single, Your Roommate is Not

This is when things start to get complicated. Your roommate is your best friend (hopefully) and you want to do everything together. Well, things can get irritating when your roommate is always gone with his/her partner (or when his/her partner is always at your place). That leaves you to your bed and Netflix. Soon you will be scavenging for more friends to do activities with.

In addition, no one likes to third wheel. Yes, it is nice of your roommate to invite you to eat with her and her boyfriend, but watching them sweet talk each other will just make you want to throw up your meal.

And, not to mention, you will most likely have to sit out in the hallway for an hour or two while they “reconnect.” Multiple times. Furthermore, when things are not good in their love paradise you will have to hear about it, in which you will wish you were out in the hallway again instead of listening to a rant you do not care about.

Of course, things are different when significant others go to different colleges, but just keep this mind. That means more time in the hallway when he/she comes to visit. And more wanting to jump out of a window when they fight, because miscommunication happens more during long distance relationships.

You are in a Relationship, Your Roommate is Not

Getting your single roommate to understand your position will be a hard challenge. My bet, he/she will get sick of the visits and sleepovers, the fights, and the constant emptiness of your presence. First thing’s first, after the fifth sleepover, you will feel awkward asking your roommate to leave the room for a little bit. You both know it is inconvenient for you both.

When things get tough and you are upset, chances are he/she will not quite understand and any advice they give will just end with “you should break up.” No, you should not, that is just him/her trying to get you to shut up for once.

When going out on the weekends, getting your roommate to stick with you all night might be a hassle. That is why you should go out in groups rather than with just one person. And if your boyfriend/girlfriend goes to your school, you will have to split your attention between them (if you are all out together). It can become a mess.

So my advice, try to room with someone who is also single or also in a relationship. It will be better for you two. The same relationship status between you both will prove to make you closer in the end.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format