as far as i know ...... no (and i'm a pyromaniac...) the strike plate on match books/boxes are specifily designed, otherwise the matches would still be 'strike anywhere'

however.... if you got a hot enough place (cig car lighter is a prime example) that's good enough and will work.... anything (metal, other things may work but i say metal cuz it will work no matter what) that glows red hot WILL ignite the match...

you say roomate and since you haven't thought about just using the flame on the stove to light the bowl, i'm going to guess it's electric....

just touch the match to the stove heating element and it'll ignite....