(Referring to potluck roommates:) I have mixed success! My first roommate and I didn’t get along very well. We had very different schedules, personalities, and ideas of what it meant to be considerate. My roommate now was potluck, and we get along very well! We’re good friends, and we don’t fight. 

I know this sounds cliched, but I do recommend trying to make some sort of roommate agreement, even if it is only oral. Let your roommate know what you expect of them, and when they are getting on your nerves, and do it calmly, before you get too angry at them to be nice! Most of the time, a compromise can be reached that helps to keep both people happy! Basically, you shouldn’t have to change your lifestyle to suit your roommate or whatever, but if he/she likes to go to sleep earlier than you, just be considerate of his right to do so. It’s his room too! 

If you keep this in mind, you can at the very least survive the year! And at the end, you’ll probably have met someone to live with the next year if it doesn’t work out.

Your roommate doesn’t have to be your best friend if you’re nothing alike! As long as you both are considerate of each other, the roommate relationship is perfect! Don’t expect to want to hang out all the time with your roommate, and don’t fret if you don’t want to be good friends with them after the year ends. Be civil, try not to judge each other, and remember your common courtesy!

Yes, you still might have a bad experience if your roommate doesn’t do this, but I have found this is pretty uncommon. Only a few people really fight or can’t get along with their roommates. And if that’s you: I hate to say it, but it’s part of college and you’ll get through it. (And don’t be afraid to call the RA if it’s dangerous or really too much for you!)

Uh, that’s probably more that what you wanted. Sorry. It’s been fine this year, a bit rocky in the past. It’s part of the college experience for most people, and they survived it, so so will you! 

Good luck, anyway! :)