A classic tradition of the U.S. college experience: the random roommate. You’ve seen movies about this experience: some good, some bad, some hilarious.

 

You’ve probably never lived with someone outside of your family before and most likely never shared a room with someone you don’t know. Where roommates are concerned, there is definitely an adjustment period.

Have a positive roommate experience!

For TALK international students studying abroad, this is an exciting time.  You meet new people, and maybe even share your living space with a roommate who comes from another country.  While you are in this very new and unfamiliar living arrangement, the most important thing to remember is that you must be yourself, but you must also learn to respect those around you.  With this approach, you will go a long way towards ensuring that your living arrangements are both comfortable and enjoyable.

 

 

There are more websites than ever to help you get to know people at the school you will be going to and can generally select one of them to be your roommate, but this can limit your view of the world, according to this New York Times article.

 

 

As an international student, a random roommate that isn’t from your same country can help you adapt to your new environment, help you make friends and open you mind just a little to the differences the world has to offer. (Check out this blog from just such an international student!)

 

 

I believe that it is important to be around people not like you. It teaches to be empathetic and understanding, talk through issues and compromise, be respectful and courteous.

 

 

Take a chance! Go for a random roommate. You might make a friend for life!