Room or Run?

A look at who we think could be some of the best or worst fctional college roommates

Jessica Day from “New Girl” would welcome you to your dorm with an extremely positive and welcoming attitude regardless of who you are, because she expects the same. She would be a great roommate because she is empathetic and patient. She would make a real connection and spend quality time with you. If you were feeling down, she would work to make you feel better, whether it was going out, staying in and making your favorite dish or having an impromptu dance party. While she may get on your nerves just like any roommate would, Jess knows when to give you your space. Jess is always interested in a good time, and will go to every college activity—defnitely inviting you along. As a roommate, Jess has potential to be one of your best friends for life. Watch out though, she might show up one day with a youth group or some students who need extra help.

Monica from “Friends” would be an extremely uptight roommate. When you move in, she would make sure that your decor matched hers and that it was aesthetically pleasing, not considering your opinion. Monica would get upset very easily by very small messes, making you frustrated and impatient with her. If people were invited over to your dorm, she would scrub for hours and make the event formal, despite the casual nature of most college hangouts. The most problematic part of being a roommate with Monica would be that if she disagrees with your ideas or methods of living, she will publicly disagree or shame you for not doing things her way.

If news came to Troy and Abed from “Community” that they were having a new roommate join them they would both be more than welcoming toward you as they host a housewarming party. Most of your time spent with them would consist of binging movie sagas together, creating blanket forts and joining the cast of “Troy and Abed in the Morning” when they do comedic skits. They are also very involved when it comes to activities around their school’s campus like freestyling with teachers and annual paintball competitions. Therefore, not only will you participate in some adventurous and at times weird college events, but you will also be surrounded by two genuine people.

Imagine waking up in your dorm to the savory smell of Italian cuisine at your bedside. With Remy the Rat from “Ratatouille” as your roommate, the obstacle of spending too much money on low quality food will be non-existent. Now I know what you’re thinking, but Remy is a clean rat. He washes his hands before cooking and is against walking on four legs as he values personal hygiene and quality in food. Remy is very independent and determined when it comes to fulflling his goals. Therefore, you and Remy will have a great relationship but will also both value each other’s privacy as you and he focus on your personal obstacles.

Now, Chewbacca might seem a little controversial when viewed as a bad roommate, but hear us out. Although Chewbacca has been to space and can be a great companion, in reality he is just one large pet covered in pounds of fur. He would just shed all over your dorm and smell, causing others to detour away from your dorm within the frst week of school. Chewbacca often has tantrums and when something doesn’t go his way he lets out obnoxious howls that may travel down the dorm hallways, bothering everyone.

Michael Scott from “The Offce” may be the worst roommate on this list. He is a very judgmental and narcissistic person, meaning he will go to great lengths to prove that he is better than you. His insults throughout the day would be conniving toward you and others, preventing you from branching out and making other friends in college. Michael Scott would also try to be the center of attention in large social groups creating an uncomfortable environment. Not to mention, you would have to wake up every morning worrying about turning off his Foreman grill that cooks greasy bacon and avoid stepping on it when getting out of bed.

By Dylan Barbee and Alison Wade

Dear Suhas, Congratulations on your graduation and an exciting journey ahead. It has been a wonderful learning experience to watch you grow as a young, smart Computer Science student and an amazing human being. Your abundant energy, critical thinking, focus and joyous nature makes you stand unique. Have fun and keep spreading your knowledge, love and happiness. With lots of love, Jyothsna, Sridhar and Sathwik Palwai

Suhas Palwai

Dear Thiago, Going off to College means embarking upon an exciting New Adventure. While we’ll miss you more than words can say, we are so proud of you and excited for everything you are about to accomplish, and we’ll always be there for you whenever you need us. So have a blast time at UI. We love you, Mom, Dad, Cat and Marley Sampaio.

Thiago Sampaio

Dear Diya, We are so happy and excited for you to embark on this new chapter of your life. As our heart is full of happiness for your achievements. We are even more proud of you as a strong, kind, and hardworking person. May you achieve all of your dreams and enjoy the journey. Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, and Maitri Shah

Diya Shah

Maggie, You have grown into an incredibly strong and independent young person who also has an incredibly kind heart. Keep up the hard work, stay true to who you are, and you will change the world! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to watch you succeed! Have so much fun at Wisconsin in the fall! We love you!! Dad, Mom, Parker, and Roxy White

Maggie White

Dear Claudia, We’ll always think of you as our little girl, even as you grew into a beautiful and strong woman right before our eyes. You are now a self-assured, amazing young lady who is all set to go to college and fulfill her dreams. Always remember that life is not about how you survive the storm, it’s about how you dance in the rain. We are very proud of you baby girl! Happy graduation day sweetheart! Your biggest fans, Mom, Dad and Patrick Rzeznik

Claudia Rzeznik

Dear Rithvik Yagnamurthy, 15 years ago you sat outside watching airplanes fly by and now you’re reaching heights we never foresaw. Whether it’s your love for helping others or your undying passion for learning new things, we are most proud of you for bettering yourself through each stage of life. I would make a joke about your major, but the frequency of bad physics jokes hertz. Go Illini! Your biggest fans, Amma, Nanna and Sissy

Rithvik Yagnamurthy

Dear Stephanie, We are so proud of your achievements these past four years at Stevenson. Congratulations on your graduation. We can't wait to see you continue to have success the next four years at Mizzou and beyond. You are a go-getter who is conscientious, talented, smart, kind and passionate, to name just a few of your wonderful traits. With love always, Mom, Dad and Lindsey Goldberg

Stephanie Goldberg

Dear Jonathan, Congratulations on graduating high school and taking the next step towards your dream of becoming a pilot. We are endlessly proud of the truly rare young man you have become and hope that you are proud of yourself too. Your empathy, maturity and generosity towards those you love never cease to amaze us. The world is better because of people like you. Love, Mom, Dad, Viv, and Dora

Jonathan Guo

Dear Taylor Chambers, From the time you started kindergarten I knew you were going to be successful. Not just in school but in life. Your dedication, commitment and responsibility are among your best qualities and I'm proud and honored to be the mother of someone who cares so deeply about their goals and dreams. You're an inspiration to this generation and Kelley is going to love having you! Love you always and forever! Mom

Taylor Chambers

Dear Katie, Education is important but big biceps are importanter. Lol but seriously, it will take a nation of millions to hold you back - Go get ‘em, girl! ENJOY the process!!! We are so proud of you, and we hope that you will make your happiness a priority number one in life. Love you loads. Xoxo, Mom, Dad, and the big Makarska Pollack family

Katie Makarska