Freshman year of college is often a whirlwind of excitement, adjustment and new beginnings. Amid the chaos of orientation, class schedules and navigating a new campus, one of the most formative aspects of the experience is learning to live with roommates. 

For many first-year students, sharing a living space is a new challenge. As an only child with older parents, I was used to solitude and an early bedtime. 

The idea of roommates was both thrilling and unfamiliar. Finally, I would have friends nearby, not just people I planned to hang out with, but individuals I would see every day. 

I found my freshman roommate through GCSU’s Instagram page, and we were later assigned two random suitemates. It felt like the typical freshman year experience I had hoped for. 

Naturally, living together wasn’t without its challenges. Our personalities differed greatly, and we had our share of conflict. But over time, maturity helped us navigate those differences. We learned how to share a space respectfully, and despite the ups and downs, I have nothing but love and respect for my roommates. 

Still, it’s rare to hear stories of lifelong friendships forged in those first dorm rooms. I’ve found that many students don’t remain close with their freshman roommates beyond that initial year. 

Recently, during a group project, I visited my friend Cami’s apartment and met her roommates. With my own mixed experiences, I was curious to see how their dynamic worked. 

To my surprise, they were one of the closest-knit and harmonious roommate groups I’ve encountered. 

“Living with my roommates is really no different from living at home,” said Kennadi Morgan, a sophomore marketing major. “I had a brother, and my friends were always over, staying the night. It was kinda strange living with complete strangers, but I wouldn’t change a thing. These girls are like my sisters now, and living with them and meeting them is the best thing that has happened to me at this school.”

Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of randomness to be the best thing that has ever happened to you. In my experience, a bonding event does the trick to bring strangers closer together for the goal of friendship. 

“We bought a giant spider Halloween decoration that we put outside our room to scare people,”  said Cami Glover, a freshman nursing major. “For the first few weeks it was out there, we would hear random screams from outside, and it was so funny.” 

Shared experiences, even lighthearted ones, can build lasting bonds. Roommate life is also about managing responsibilities and learning to coexist with others. 

“We don’t really get in disputes, but if we do, we just talk it out,” said Grace Conners, a freshman sports medicine major. We all clean up after ourselves, and if not, someone else will do it.”

Open communication and mutual respect are key to a peaceful living environment. Honesty fosters empathy, which helps roommates understand and accommodate one another. 

My favorite part of this roommate group is how strangers can turn into best friends in an instant. Expect the unexpected is one of my favorite phrases because of how true it can be in life. 

“We all get along well and have a lot in common,” said Emily Atkinson, a freshman nursing major. “The living situation is great! We all took part in chores around the apartment, and we’ve all helped each other out from time to time. We’ve always been pretty peaceful with each other, so getting along has never been a problem.” 

What I learned from witnessing this group of friends is that while not every roommate’s experience is perfect, some turn out to be far better than expected. College, and especially freshman year, teaches us lessons that can’t always be taught except by going through the experience personally. 

It’s a strange feeling, trying to navigate living with someone you’ve never met before. You’re expected to not only share a space but also your day-to-day life — moods, habits and even food choices. It can feel overwhelming, but there’s also opportunity in that anxiety. 

Whether it’s something as small as a movie night or cramming together during exam week, small moments can evolve into genuine friendships. Sometimes those friendships stick, sometimes they don’t, and that’s okay, too.

Not every roommate turns into your best friend. Sometimes you just happily coexist. And sometimes, that’s all you need. As long as the space is respectful and the communication is open, it can still be a successful arrangement. 

Roommates can challenge your patience, broaden your worldview and help you discover your strengths. You may find that you’re more adaptable than you thought, or that you actually like cooking dinner with someone else in the kitchen. 

Friendship doesn’t always come when you expect it, but when it does, it can be pretty special. Whether your roommate becomes your ride-or-die or simply someone who helped you grow during a pivotal year of your life, the experience itself is worth it. 

As a freshman, it’s easy to feel like you have to figure it all out right away. But the truth is, the best things often happen when you let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected, even if that means laughing together at a fake spider outside your door.