It may only be July, but I guarantee that you are already gearing up for the new semester. Whether this is your first semester in college, or your last, one thing is for sure: you need to communicate with your roommate. A lot of people like to coordinate room colors with their roommate, while others simply want to coordinate who is bringing the TV and who is bringing the mini fridge. Well, you're in luck! There are multiple ways to easily coordinate with your roommate or apartment mates. Here's a few tricks me and my roommates have used to coordinate our plans for the new semester!
1. Share a Pinterest board (or five)
Pinterest is an amazing app. You can find everything from food to DIY crafts online. One of the best things about Pinterest, however, is that you can share boards with other people. A shared board is perfect for when you find something online that would look great in your new dorm room or on-campus apartment. Everyone can contribute and see what has been pinned. My roommates and I have a recipe board and a decoration board, so we are all on the same page about what we want our apartment to look like. Share a board with your roommate(s) and start pinning!
2. Make a Google document
Google Docs is perfect if you and your roommate(s) have a google account. You can use a google document to make a spreadsheet that everyone can see and edit. This makes it easier for you to coordinate who is bringing what, especially if you have numerous roomies. It's super easy to use and great for when you each live in different states. My roomies and I used Google Docs to create a spreadsheet of all the things we would need for our new apartment this fall. Everyone simply just has to read the document and write their name next to the item they are bringing.
3. Make a GroupMe
Groupme is one of the more recent group chat apps that I have discovered. This app allows anyone with the application to form a group and have an instant group message. The app allows you to upload pictures, make memes, find GIFs, etc. It's great for athletic teams and other groups. All you need is everyone's number. This is another easy way to communicate without having your text notification go off every two seconds. The best part, if the chat starts to get annoying or out of hand, you can simply mute the notifications and check back into the group message whenever you feel like it.
4. Facebook Messenger
Another simple way to have a group message is through Facebook. The instant messaging app works a lot like Groupme, except you need to make sure everyone has a Facebook account. This little messaging app can come in handy when one of your members is abroad or simply doesn't have data. They need only connect to WIFI and you have an easy way to communicate. It especially comes in handy when your phone is out of commission.
5. The traditional group text message
Text messaging is always an option for roomie communication as well. It's traditional and you are at least 99% sure that your roommate will have a phone or at least unlimited texting. Of course, the only drawback to this is if your roommate does not have unlimited texting or one of your phones is broken or dead. Because having a busted cell phone is pretty typical in this day and age, it's probably best to have a backup form of communication in case text messaging becomes an issue.
6. YouTube
Alright, I'll admit that this is not the most effective nor conventional way of coordinating room stuff with your roommate. But hey, it could be fun! Simply make a video and upload it to a shared channel between you and your roommate. They'll be able to watch your video and then upload their own response as well. This could be a good way of providing a visual if you or your roomie is able to see your dorm space ahead of time. A virtual tour of sorts through video can help give your roomie an idea of what your space is actually like (especially when it comes to size). So if you'd prefer a less traditional means of communicating with your roomie, YouTube could be a great source.
7. Email
I personally don't use my email for anything other than official school or business emails. However, this is another great way to keep in contact with your roomie. It works especially well if one of you is abroad and phone communication is limited. Although this method may not be as exciting today as it was a few years ago, it's still a viable option.
There are many ways you can communicate with your roommate to coordinate room details. Although many people will probably just stick to the traditional route of text messaging, there are many other ideal options that may help solidify what you want. They also add a bit more fun to the whole planning process! My roommates and I have been utilizing Pinterest and Google Docs this summer, and it's made things so much easier. So if you're still in the planning and preparation stage with your roommate, give one of these ideas a try!
Happy planning friends!
