To Share or NOT To Share

There are many decisions USC students make over the course of a school year.  Clearly, you have to choose your classes and determine your scholastic goals.  Some decisions are less pressing, such as whether to eat gluten-free or whether to visit the beautiful Los Angeles beaches more.  Not many decisions have the sticking power of a college roommate.

Now, there are usually ways out of a bad roommate situation.  For example, at Trojan Buildings you are allowed to find a person to sublet.  It is better, no doubt, to answer this question for yourself BEFORE you call the movers.  What situation will give you more peace of mind?

Pros of having your own place to yourself:

1. Privacy.  You have the whole apartment to yourself!
2. You can do what you like.  You don’t have to worry about another’s schedule or preferences.
3. No roommate to take/use your stuff/eat your food.
4. No problems sleeping because your roommate is partying (or worse) when you need sleep or quiet.
5. No haggling over the TV.
6. It’s probably going to be easier to concentrate on your studies.
7. You have to opportunity to really grow and learn to care for yourself and your own surroundings.

Pros of having a roommate:

1.      Someone to talk to and share your university experience with.

2.      Financial help with rent and/or utilities.

3.      You could make a lifelong friend.  (My mom is still best friends with her college roommate!)

4.      Possible help with homework.

5.      Someone there in case of lock-outs or emergencies.

6.      You can learn to share and adjust to others.

7.      You can be exposed to new foods/ideas/philosophies.

Tell us about your experiences.  Have you made a friend for life?  Did you make any amazing discoveries about yourself or others?  Are you the “live alone and like it” type?

*No real names, please.  Be nice.