Living with roommates is incredibly hard. Not only do you have to mesh a bunch of different personalities, but your parents aren't there to pick up after you. Here are fifteen things to help you and your roommates live well together.
1. Do the dishes.
One would not think dishes are a huge deal, but they can cause big drama. Do your dishes within a day of using them to avoid any unnecessary fighting.
2. Communicate with one another.
Although you and your roommates have different lives, make sure to talk regularly to maintain a good relationship.
3. Know each other's schedules.
It is always helpful to know your roommates schedule so you can respect their sleeping schedules.
4. Share stories.
This is similar to communicating, but tell each other about your day and any crazy things that happened to maintain a good relationship.
5. Vent to each other and listen when being vented to.
It is good to always have someone to talk to and being there for your roommate will definitely bring you closer.
6. Have family dinners.
Family dinner's are a good way to connect and catch up in the middle of busy semesters and schedules.
7. Pick up after yourself.
Leaving clothes, laptop, cords, etc around the house too much can make lots of clutter, which may aggravate your roommates. Try and pick up your things when your finished using them to avoid confrontations.
8. Respect sleep schedules.
It is always kind and respectful to be quiet when your know your roommates are sleeping. That way they will do the same for you.
9. Limit bathroom time.
Most college dorms, apartments, and houses do not have a good person to bathroom ratio. To avoid fighting, be respectful and limit your time in the bathroom so everyone can have their time.
10. Do fun activities together.
This is another way for you and your roommates to connect and get along. For example you could carve pumpkins during Halloween or have movie nights.
11. Have family meetings to talk out any issues.
If fights ever do occur, it is important to talk things through. Family meetings are a good way to let everything go and solve problems.
12. Share some food like condiments, eggs, etc.
Most likely your fridge is not that big, so every roommate having their own bottle of ketchup, eggs, and butter seems silly. Agree on what foods to share and switch off buying them.
13. Pitch in cleaning around the house.
This is very similar to doing dishes and picking up after yourself, but set a time every week with your roommates to clean the house. Put on some music and divide and conquer. This way no one will feel like they're doing all the work and your house will always be clean.
14. Pay bills on time.
Obviously it's important to pay your bills on time so you have a place to live, but by doing this your roommates don't have to hunt you down to pay the bill, furthermore avoiding unnecessary stress.
And finally,
15. Be kind and love each other!
These people are your roommates. You might as well get along with them because it will make live easier and way more fun.
