The time has finally come: we’re heading off to college and we have to pick roommates. What they don’t show you in movies is how awkward it is to email random people and ask them about their lives. So, as a favor to all of you out there picking roommates, here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts.

DO: Ask their favorite color. This is important! If you like black and your roommate loves cotton candy pink, you’re both going to feel uncomfortable come move-in day when she unloads her Hello Kitty pillows and you’re hanging up your Arctic Monkeys poster.

DON’T: Try to be too funny and joke around over email or text. You’ll come off as being weird. When you are finding a roommate, it’s like a virtual first date. No one makes puns on a first date.

DO: Take the plunge and ask about sleeping habits. Ask them about what time they like getting up. If you live by the moon and they like to watch the sunrise, check yourself before you wreck yourself.

DON’T: LIE ABOUT HOW MESSY YOU ARE. If you are the type of person who leaves three day old plates of food in your room and don’t mind… it is vital that you do not room with a person who holds cleanliness next to godliness. They will plot your death in the middle of the night. Being honest will help with the “Feng Shui” of your dynamic.

DO: Ask what they like to do! If they enjoy playing video games until four in the morning, and you like to play sports and exercise, you will probably not make very good roommates. Always be sure to thoroughly get to know what he or she likes to do in their down time.

DON’T: Be afraid to room with someone in a different major. Be open to the idea of sharing a space with someone different than you. Most likely, you’ll enjoy hearing about their day that will be entirely different than your own.

Most of all: Be excited. Don’t be nervous about finding a roommate. They are just as awkwarded out as you are, so you might as well have fun with it.