Roommates, we all encounter them at least once in our lives. In college, you are most likely going to have a roommate in which you will share a living space with. Having a roommate in college can be scary, you get paired with a stranger you don't know. All you can do is cross your fingers and hope for the best. There are good roommates and there are bad roommates. Here are a few tips you might want to consider that will help you get along with your roommate.
1. Be nice to your roommate.
Making friends in college can be hard at first, but when you have a roommate you can easily become friends with him/ or her. It is known that most people make their life-long friends a college, and a majority of the time those friends they made were at some point their roommate.
2. Communicate with your roommate.
What some people do not understand is that when you have a roommate, you have to communicate with them. Talk to them about their daily routine, as well as yours. Tell them about your living style, like what your pet peeves are, or if you study with music, etc. After all, you will be living wth this person for a year, so it is important to talk with each other.
3. Speak up when necessary.
At least once or twice, your roommate will do something you don't like, and it is your responsibility to talk to them about it. When having a roommate, you cannot be afraid to speak your mind or feelings. If something they do bothers you tell them about it, don't keep quiet. You both are paying a lot of money to live in the same space, so it's up to the both of you to make your stay worthwhile.
4. Plan a cleaning schedule.
Not everyone likes living in filth, that's why it is key to make a cleaning schedule between your roommate(s). You that you don't want to be the roommate who is always cleaning while your roommate does nothing. You both should work together to keep your living area clean.
5. Make quiet hours.
Sometimes you'll want to have some peace and quite in your dorms, so it's important to let your roommate know if they are bringing friends over for to be considerate of you and vice versa.
6. Make other friends.
Yes, it is OK to be friends with your roommate, but it is also beneficial to have friends who don't live with. Havng friends who are not your roomate comes in handy if you and your roomate have an argument or falling out.
7. Be courteous of their things.
Being respectful of other people's items is something to look out for when you have a roommate. Don't take your roommate's things without asking, because sometimes that is how problems arise between people who live together.
8. Be aware of who you invite to your dorm.
Having friends over at your dorm is fine, as long as it is not a continuous routine. When you invite friends over, make sure they don't over-stay their welcome; you share your dorm with your roommate, not three extra people.
9. Respect your roommate's space.
Respecting your roommate's space is a given rule when sharing a dorm or apartment. Keep your things on your side, don't try to take over the sink or living area. It's all about sharing because you are not at home anymore and that is something you have to learn before college.
10. Be mindful of noise-making.
Don't make too mush noise at odd times of the day. If you do decide to play music or have friends over, make sure it isn't too loud for your roommate. Make sure they are aware of any actions that you fell might affect them in any way.
11. Be considerate.
Treat your roommate how you would like to be treated. Don't tell your roommate to not do a certain thing and then go behind their back and do it, that's just being a hypocrite. Having a roommate is all about compromise, you won't always get your way if that is what you are used to.
