Prevent roommate problems

I don't know what's worse: choosing your roommates or the luck of the draw. At least for girls, rooming with one of your high school friends hardly ever works out. Being friends and living with each other are two totally different things. I went with the draw. Our res life office tried to match roommates up by interests—at least that's what they said they were going to do. I'm not sure they actually did it, since I didn't think I had anything in common with my two freshmen roommates. Something must have been right, though—one of them is my best friend to this day! The best idea is a roommate contract. Sometimes your RA will give you one that you have to fill out and give back to them so they can have it on file if you have any problems. If they don't give you one, DO ONE ANYWAY! Figure out stuff like chores, whether or not you'll share food, and any other things you think might be an issue. Then either post it or keep it in a safe place, and when there's a conflict, you can go back and look what you agreed to. Seriously, it's worth it!Rachel Snyder