This article compiles advice from chronically ill, disabled, and mentally ill individuals and applies that advice to the topic of college roommates. To learn more, talk to and learn from disabled people and disability advocates.

Whether you're a freshman or a seasoned upperclassman planning for graduation, these tips will help you find off-campus housing effectively.

It's almost inevitable you have a roommate at some point in college. In most cases, college dorms have two students in a room unless they are lucky enough not to have one or the school offers single-bedroom fixtures. Student apartments usually start at two bedrooms, with a maximum of four or five bedrooms. If college apartments offer single bedrooms, prepare to pay a considerable sum. I want to implore you to give your roommate a chance; here’s why.

When a person grows up as an only child or with a large age gap between siblings, many autonomous activities and decisions will be performed and made. Most universities require their first-year students to live on campus, which can be quite a big transition—from never sharing a room to looking at a stranger 24/7 on the other side of your dorm room. When I left my parents’ house to move two hours away, not only had I never been away from home before, but I never shared a room, or anything, since I am an only child. It was a coincidence that my first roommate was also an only child, so there was a lot of adapting on both sides. For perspective, we lived in a dorm room with a bed on each side of the room and a shared bathroom.

Your ability to access your compatibility is important. Is there a group of people who you can envision yourself living with? Will they allow and support your personal growth as a person?

All of the exciting things are starting to happen! You have received your admissions letter in the mail. You have accepted your admissions decision and figured out your financial aid. Next up? The daunting task of deciding your living arrangements. First, you have to choose your physical living arrangements. Do you choose a dorm on campus or an off-campus apartment? We are sure you have read all about the benefits of living on campus in a dorm, and not only this, but most colleges require you to live on campus any where from one to two years. There is another issue at hand: how do you pick a roommate?

Some students hit the jackpot and meet their new best friend; others just meet another freshman. In either case, the unspoken rules of being a good roommate are the same. Following those rules can not only help to keep your dorm a great place to rest and recharge but can also prevent roommate conflict before it has a chance to spoil your semester.

In the worst situations, some roommates get into avoidable arguments or altercations. Your dorm or apartment is your home for the time being, and it is important to feel comfortable and safe in your space.

Leaving the dorms behind and moving out for the first time can be intimidating. These tips will help to boost your confidence and make the transition to living off-campus seamless.