SEATTLE -- Students at the University of Washington will

soon be able to choose their dormitory roommates with the simple

point and click of a computer mouse.

The college plans to play

matchmaker to thousands of students applying for university housing

during the 2004 school year by offering an online service allowing

them to pick and choose roomies.

The service uses a computer

program by WebRoomz, an Atlanta-based company, using a selection

process based on computer dating services. The school mandates how

many and what kind of questions are asked, but students generally

can post their profiles detailing personality traits, quirks, work

habits, music and food preferences, and what their expectations are

in a roommate relationship.