When Sarah got off the train and walked to the Sea Salt University, she was completely captivated by the beauty of the campus. Tall oak trees lined the pathways, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch forever. The ivy-covered buildings stood like guardians of some old, hidden mystery. She looked everywhere and saw groups of students pass by, laughing and chatting, and the air was filled with the energy of these young people.
After bidding goodbye to Michael, Sarah headed into the dormitory she had pre-booked. As she opened the door to her new room, her heart raced with anticipation. "What will my roommate be like? Will we get along well with each other?" she wondered.
The room was small but cozy, with two beds placed on opposite sides. One was already taken by a slender girl with bright brown hair, who was busy unpacking her suitcase and making the beds.
"Hello, how are you?" the girl said, looking up with a cheerful grin.
"My name is Mia. Nice to meet you. I guess you are my new roommate. May I know your name?"
"Hello. My name is Sarah!" Sarah smiled, feeling some of her nerves slip away. "Nice to meet you, Mia."
The two girls quickly jumped into conversations about their own hometown and high school life when they continued to unpack. Sarah observed Mia with curiosity. Mia had an infectious energy; she was the type of person who could instantly make a room feel warmer. She had bright, sparkling brown eyes that seemed to dance when she talked, and her thick, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, giving her a carefree, confident vibe.
"Mia, where are you from?" Sarah asked, eager to know more about her new roommate.
"I am from Bluefield, the capital city of the Province. You must have heard of it" Mia said, her voice upbeat as she folded a colorful sweater. "It is not too far from Sea Salt City, just two hours away."
Sarah nodded. "That sounds nice! I am from a town called Willow Ville. I have not gone out of town often. Everything here appears so new to me."
"Do not worry, Sarah. I often came to Sea Salt City before. I am actually quite familiar with the city," said Mia, flashing another friendly grin.
"You will get used to it soon. Besides, you have gotten me! I will show you around and help you to fit in. "
As they continued chatting, Sarah learned that Mia would major in Economics and had big dreams of working in finance one day. But she was not all into Business. Mia had a fun, laid-back side that made her instantly likable. She loved going to parties, travelling, but also cherished cozy nights with a good movie or a book. Her bedside was already decorated with posters of travel destinations, quotes like "Adventure Awaits," and fairy lights that gave the place a homey, comfortable vibe.
"You have made the place feel like home," said Sarah, glancing at the decorations.
Mia beamed. "Yeah, I am a sucker for aesthetics. If I am going to live here, it must feel like my space."
Sarah laughed softly, realizing how different they were. Mia had a bold, confident energy that Sarah admired. In contrast, Sarah felt more reserved, shy, and lacked confidence, unsure of how she wanted to express herself in this new chapter of her life. But Mia made her feel comfortable, like she could step out of her shell a little bit, too.
"Mia, would you mind helping to decorate my bed?" Sarah said with a shy smile. "Or at least please help give me some idea or tips on how to make the bed look romantic."
"No problem!" Mia winked. "I have got you covered."
The two girls continued to talk, bonding over their shared excitement for university life.
Sarah felt relieved. The campus life did not seem to be as overwhelming as she had feared. Mia's bubbly personality and welcoming nature made Sarah's transition feel a lot smoother. It was only the first day, but Sarah could not shake the feeling that she had already found someone she could trust.
"So, for the first day of classes tomorrow," Mia said, sitting cross-legged on her bed. "How do you feel about it?
"A little nervous, but mostly excited," Sarah admitted. "I have always wanted to dive into university life, but now that it's here, it's a bit... intimidating.
"I feel the same," Mia said, nodding in agreement.
"But honestly, the nervousness is part of the fun. It is like we are standing on the edge of something big, you know? "Sarah smiled, feeling her excitement bubbling up.
"Yeah, it is." Mia grinned back. "And hey, if things ever get too overwhelming, we can find a café, grab some lattes, and escape reality for a bit. Deal?"
"Deal," Sarah agreed, grateful to have someone like Mia by her side.
By the time they were both settled in, Sarah felt something shift inside her. On the very first day, she had already met someone who could turn into a real friend. University life was starting to feel less intimidating and more like a place where she could belong.
As the evening ended, Mia stretched out on her bed, looking thoughtful.
"You know," said Mia, her voice turning slightly serious for the first time, "it is funny how you can meet someone and feel like you have known them forever. "Sarah blinked, surprised by Mia's sudden change in tone.
"Yeah... it is," she said softly. Mia turned toward Sarah with a smile, her eyes twinkling in the dim light. "I have a feeling we're going to be best friends."