Roommate: A roommate is someone who you share a living space with. 

Seems like a simple concept and yet the reality is so much more complicated. That first year of college is one of the few times when you will be moving into a (usually small) space with someone who you don’t know at all. Even if you think alike, have similar schedules, and are into the same things (and really, it’s unlikely you’ll be so perfectly matched) problems can still arise.

Each family has different habits and styles of living. You may not even be aware of the little idiosyncrasies [unique habits] of your own family. But once you move in with a roommate those differences become very apparent. 

You WILL have to learn to deal with certain aspects of your roommate’s lifestyle which don’t coincide with your own, just as they will have to adjust to you.  The hope is that after a few weeks or months you can iron out those differences and start to become really good friends. If this doesn’t happen, there is no reason to live silently and miserably.  Most schools will have a way for you to find a new place and person to try again with.