"The transition from high school to university is the most jarring social shift a young adult will ever experience. You are trading a familiar bedroom for a sterile dorm room and a sea of strangers."

While "going random" is often touted as a way to meet new people, statistics show that roommate conflicts are one of the leading causes of freshman stress. The Hometown Strategy—finding a roommate who shares your roots—provides a psychological safety net that unverified social media groups simply can't offer.