With the new school year starting, many people will be moving into their new apartments or dorms, which often includes moving in with roommates. Usually, these roommates are complete strangers. It is essential to sit down with these strangers who will be sharing close quarters with you.

Now don't get me wrong, I too am awkward when it comes to speaking with strangers. However, it is crucial to set aside your feelings of awkwardness to create a living scenario that is pleasant for everyone. It is easy to ignore small problems because confronting someone is difficult and uncomfortable. However, as an adult - play scary music here - this is just something you have to do.

Take a deep breath and relax. You can do it.

1. Ask your roommates if they have any medical conditions.

Not only is this important due to ensure that you keep them safe from anything that could potentially harm them. It is also important to know how severe your roommate's medical conditions are. For example, if your roommate is an asthmatic, they have an inhaler and they can't be around too much dust. If they were to have an asthma attack is there anything you can do to help?

Do you have any medical conditions or allergies that you and your roommates need to be aware of? If they cook with peanut oil could you have an allergic reaction?

It is essential not only to your health to have a frank discussion about your health but also important for your roommate's health and safety. This would also be a great time to exchange emergency contact numbers.

2. Establish guest rules.

No one want's to be the person who tries to dampen other people's fun. However, setting limits is important. No, you cannot ask your roommates not to have people over just like they cannot ask the same thing of you. However, if you are uncomfortable having a male in the apartment for an extended length of time, let your roommates know. Communication is key!

No, you can't say, "I don't want guys in the house so don't ever invite any male friends over." But you can say, "Hey I am a bit uncomfortable with having a guy in the house, could you please tell me in advance before he stays over."

No, you can't say, "I don't want anyone in the house because it gets too loud." But you can say, "Hey, I would appreciate if you told me when you had friends over and gave me a rough time frame for when they would be staying."

You are allowed to ask for things. However, you are not allowed to demand things.

3. Share your class and work schedules.

This is important so that you have a rough idea where your roommates are. No, you don't have to keep constant tabs on your roommates, but having a general knowledge of where they are is an excellent way of helping to keep them safe.

If something happens, you have a general idea of where they are, and they will have a general idea of where you are.

This is really important as you have a system of people who know where you are or what you need to do.