I am the type of person that is very individual, independent and likes to keep to myself. Don’t get me wrong, I do love people and hanging out but if I had to choose between the two, keeping to myself definitely wins! With this in mind, I really did not know what to expect when I found out I would be living in a quad last year (a quad is a 4-person room). I like things a certain way and it is very hard for me to adjust to other people’s lifestyles. So, I was expecting a very unusual experience.

Unusual was definitely the term for my quad last year but to be used in the best context ever! Fortunately, I was placed with three amazing girls (one of the girls I knew prior to college) from three completely different backgrounds–this gave me an opportunity to learn about other cultures and lifestyles. I had so much fun that I have no idea where to begin! My quad was nonstop laughter and fun; we were always cracking jokes, had great gatherings for no reason and even a “door war” with the boys down the hall (we won but the guys backfired when we least expected it ). I can never forget those late night talks in the dark and playing internet games when we all knew we should have been studying! Also, we did the most random things–like taking trips around Ellicott Complex and making friends with anyone we saw along the way. We also would find things and taped them to our door. By the end of year, our door was completely covered in the craziest items. In addition to this, we all were able to adjust to each other lifestyles for the most part. Overall, I had great room for my freshman year! Half of the friends I have now are from these three girls. Although this was not my typical environment, I definitely am glad that I lived it because I was exposed to another fun side of life.

This year, I am in a room that is more “me”. I am in a double (2 person room) and I knew my roommate (aka my weirdo) prior to this year. We are so much alike from academics to personal life; making it very easy for us to relate to each other. We bond so easily because we both have similar lifestyles. We are both focused and “keep to ourselves” kinds of people. Also, our schedules are opposite so we each have the opportunity to have quiet time to ourselves while the other is at class; oppose to a quad when there is a great chance that someone is always in the room. In all honesty, I cannot see myself living with anybody else; she is my ideal and perfect roommate. I never thought there was someone out there that is so close to my personality. If all goes well, we plan to be roommates again next year in an apartment.

Freshman year in the quad was nonstop fun and games; however, I am more of a focused independent person and this year my double is more of my niche.