After three years of living with roommates, I have learned far more than I ever thought I would. It’s not like I’ve lived by myself before. I used to live at home under the watchful eyes of my parents who always made sure my brother and I weren’t killing each other.
Growing up with an older brother was always an adventure. I had someone to hang out with at all times. I always had someone who had my back and would cheer me up when I was down. Having roommates is similar to having a sibling.
1. It’s all about compromise.
We’re all different personalities and have different habits. Sometimes our habits clash, but we figure out ways to accommodate each other’s needs. I’m living with my same roommates for the second year in a row, and by this point, we know how the others work.
2. Splurge on the soft toilet paper.
There are two kinds of toilet paper: single ply, the bad kind, and double ply, the good kind. Believe it or not, some people willingly buy single ply toilet paper. Do not be that person. My roommate was accidentally that person and told our other roommate that it was me who bought it. I do not buy single ply. I will pay more for the soft stuff. It’s totally worth it.
3. Sometimes toilet rolls are not switched when empty.
We’ve all been guilty of this. Sometimes you just forget to put a new one in the bathroom when you use the last of the roll. I’ve learned to be prepared for an annoyed roommate for at least an hour. At this point, we’ve just decided to keep rolls in the bathroom right next to the toilet. It makes things so much easier.
4. Alone time is much needed.
Living in close quarters with other people can become difficult. Even if it’s just sitting together at the breakfast bar and not talking to each other, it’s good to not have to be constantly communicating. Being with each other, without being with each other is an art that has become a staple in keeping us sane.
5. There will definitely be times when one of your roommates eats your food.
For whatever reason, one of your roommates will eat your food without asking or telling you. It’s especially annoying when it’s food from your favorite restaurant.
6. Sometimes people are gross.
I might just be a clean freak, but there have been times where dishes are left for days at a time. We’re fortunate to have a dishwasher, but somehow there are dishes that never make it there.
7. Communication is key.
This is a given, but it can be hard to talk to roommates about certain issues. It’s always best to be direct about something that is bothering you. People can't read minds. They won’t know if something is bothering you if you don’t tell them.
8. The term “quiet” has different meanings for everyone.
In a small apartment, it’s difficult to not hear everything going on. That being said, sometimes people are unreasonably loud by my standard.
9. There is always someone to hang out with.
Roommates are basically friends that live with you. This means that there is always someone who is down to order a large pizza or to go grocery shopping with.
10. Sharing is caring.
It’s nice to not have to buy everything. We share dishes and appliances, which makes life infinitely better. It would be absurd to have three different sets of pots and pans. It’s also nice to be able to share clothes when you can’t seem to find anything in your closet to wear.
11. They become family members.
My family sees me at my absolute worst, and so do my roommates. College is hard. There will be times when I haven’t showered in three days, and my roommates will be there to deal with that.
From strangers to sisters, my roommates are people that I deeply care about. They are the ones who will sit up with me during a mid-college crisis. They are the ones offering to right the wrong that someone has done to me.
12. Separation anxiety is real.
If I don’t hear from my roommates often or see them throughout the day, I get worried. I quickly think the worst. I bombard them with phone calls and text messages to make sure that they’re alive and coming home soon. I have even gone as far as texting their siblings to see where they could possibly be.
I have also developed a love/ hate relationship with winter and summer breaks. I love not having classes, but I hate that my roommates are gone. I know that they want to go home and see their families, but I want them to be here with me.
13. If I lived alone, who would keep me accountable?
