The roommate selection process varies greatly from college to college. Most colleges either A) have students fill out a mini-personality test to match them with someone "compatible," B) select randomly, or C) allow students to choose.

My college went about this process by having the students fill out a mini-personality inventory at orientation. These inventories were then compared and we were then matched with someone compatible, and given their information prior to leaving campus so that we coordinate with them.

In relation to the personality test, some colleges have simple surveys that include likes/dislikes, including the level of quiet, how much time one plans on studying, whether one likes to listen to music, and if one plans on partying.

A few of my friends complained to me about their roommate selection process which was either done randomly or alphabetically. Both of these choices are undesirable simply because absolutely nothing is taken into consideration other than how quickly college administrators wish to get this task done.

I do believe, though I am not entirely sure, that all schools give students the option of choosing who they wish to room with. This way, if they are going to school with a family member or a good friend, they can avoid getting stuck with someone they do not get along with by rooming with someone they already know. I must say though, that in more cases then not, friends who choose to live together end up fighting and moving out by the end of the first year. As a freshman, I chose to live with a friend and we only made it two month before driving each other crazy and I finally moved out. On top of that, we did not talk for a month afterward either. Like I said, this is not always the case, but happens often.

The process is up to each college individually, but most inform their students and/or potential students beforehand.

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