<p>There’s pros and cons to both and them and everyone’s pros and cons may be different. Some things to think about though:</p>
<p>Single Pros:
-you’re alone in the room, so you don’t have to deal with a potentially awful roommate
-no overly messy or overly clean roommate to deal with
-ensured quiet space when you want it, loud when you want it
-if everyone in your area is in a single, you may get to know more folks as they are forced to get out of their rooms
-there may be additional storage, depending on room type</p>
<p>Single Cons:
-you’re alone in the room, so you don’t get to deal with a potentially awesome roommate
-most of the singles, from what I can remember, are less than half the space of the doubles (your single space may only be 54 sq ft to yourself, whereas a double is 120 sq ft, so even though you’re alone, you get less space)
-you have to bring everything for the room (fan, TV, microwave, fridge, decorations, vacuum, etc)
-at UVa, the main singles rooms are not in the most desirable places
-quite simply, you don’t get the quintessential roommate experience </p>
<p>Double Pros:
-you always have someone to talk to. Your roommate may not be your best friend, nor may they be a lifelong friend, but you will always have that “first year roommate” bond
-split the room needs (fridge, tv, etc)
-chance to branch out of your social circle a bit between hall/suite folks and your roommate and your roommate’s friends
-The room size, even though it’s split, is bigger than a single to yourself
-location is generally “better” (chance for the new New Dorms)
-you get to learn a valuable life skill: learning to work with someone who may, and most likely will, have some difference than you, whether it’s their beliefs, the way they work/study/play, hobbies, sleeping patterns, etc. This skill is invaluable as you’ll face this over and over again in life and even though it may be tough in the beginning, it will likely be the best experience at it for many, many years (even better than your significant other, likely)</p>
<p>Double Cons:
-your roommate may have wildly different lifestyles compared to you, despite the Housing Office’s best efforts to match (maybe someone wants to be an early sleeper/riser in college but discovers they’re better at being a night owl)
-you have to share certain things, there just isn’t room for doubles of some things
-like any other shared living arrangement, there will be sacrifices/adjustments for both parties for the better of the room
-You may still end up in a less than ideal location and wonder why you didn’t just go for a single</p>
<p>I’ve lived both in a double and single on and off-grounds. If I had to do it again, I’d still pick a double. There’s something about living with someone and you both having to adjust to each other while always having someone to talk to that makes up first year. Both of you together can share first experiences, rely on each other for anything from a simple conversation to class help to branching out to new friends and experiences, and grow together. It’ll teach you how to be open with your needs and expectations, while adjusting to others’. There’s downsides to this, but the positives almost always outweigh any negatives along the way. Remember that most folks going to UVa are dedicated to their studies but also want to enjoy UVa and the surrounding community as a whole and the likelihood of you ending up with someone so radically different that it’s a huge issue is small, and even if you do, you can always move rooms.</p>
