I've found that the roommates do come in handy; most of them bring food in from somewhere (didn't think about dragging the food into the fridge, thanks @LaBlue0314 :) ), and they will repair and clean up after a while (I was going to fix the shower to get some more Handiness skill but one of the roommates beat me to it). Good way to make friends and even find that special someone; my Sim's current boyfriend lives in her dorm (Wyvern Hall). A lot easier than going out and looking for friends in the rest of the world.