Thanks for the replies guys. What santa lil helper said makes sense mostly. Yes, you see the American culture everyday in the public. What I feel like I don't see is the personal life side of American people and their thinking (in non-academic matters.) My knowledge of these is primarily from the media and public forums. Basically, I am looking for a friend to talk to who won't mind sharing his views and personal stories. I thought roommates would make natural friends since I don't know where else to make friends. All my friends in college are Asians (Chinese, Indians, Bangladeshis, etc), and even if there were some Americans there, I am not so good at making friends anyway; talking to roommates is a given.