Everyone Should Have Five Roommates

As my first semester living off campus comes to a close, I’ve arrived at the conclusion everyone should have five roommates. 

The more the merrier, right?

My first-year at Loyola, I lived in Mertz Hall, sharing a room with one other person. As a second-year student, I lived in Santa Clara Hall with three other people. In the renovated dorms at Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center, I lived with one other person. Now off campus, I live with five.

This summer, I was worried about having six people in one apartment. When I tell people I have five roommates, they’re flabbergasted and tell me it’s too many. But after nearly a semester of our housing situation, I’ve decided it’s enjoyable, and I’m recommending it to others. 

Coexisting with lots of people makes for a better living situation. Social connections are better for one’s health, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

We have group Costco trips where we buy food in bulk, like a medium-sized family. We split the cost of a lot of food six ways, which has significantly lowered the price of groceries for me.

Now there are always four types of milk in the fridge — 2%, oat, Fairlife and almond — giving ample choice depending on my mood.

I was nervous about maintaining my privacy, but now I enjoy always having someone at home. None of us ever has to eat a meal alone, and someone is always available for a chat. 

Despite all these wonderful elements, there are some downsides. But even these challenges come with silver linings. For example, the lack of fridge and freezer space has helped improve my strategic planning and organizational skills. 

Because we have so many people who each make three meals at home a day, chores are magnified. We take out the trash and run the dishwasher about six times a day, but as long as every roommate is responsible and cleans up after themselves, it isn’t so bad.

Our apartment decorations have become an eclectic combination of six different styles — Loyola, antique store, IKEA modern, Chicago Cubs, Muppets, etc. The theme of my apartment is all of the above. But once again, splitting decorations and furniture six ways makes everything more affordable.

We often make dinner at the same time which leads to chaos in the kitchen. But cooking together means we help each other by loaning recipes and ingredients as we dance around each other in the kitchen.

With six people, there’s always a fresh batch of cookies or cupcakes on the kitchen counter. Everyone likes to buy or make desserts for everyone to share — my favorite was a hamburger cake from Jewel Osco. Having six people to feed also justifies our sweet teeth.

During winter break, I’ll miss our movie nights and Costco runs — which always include a hotdog and pop for $1.50 — but I’m looking forward to living with them for the next year and a half. As people started leaving for Thanksgiving break, our apartment already began to feel empty and lacking in life.

Living with five roommates is a hectic lifestyle, but it’s fun and lively. I’ve gotten used to a life living with many others. And the rent being lower is the cherry on top.