To all of the graduating seniors out there who are going through the excruciating journey that is college applications, some advice I want to give you is about your future roommate. There are going to be times in which you will literally not be able to stand to look at your roommate. If you have ever shared a room with a sibling (like me), you understand. There are going to be good times, amazing times, and oh-so-lonely times, but I'm here to let you know what to expect when living through PRISON with your new roommate.
1. AT FIRST, IT WILL BE AWKWARD.
Whether you've casually glanced at your roommate before move-in or known them all through high school, it will be awkward at first. Since you're trying to make a good impression, you walk on eggshells to please the other. But honestly, you learn so much about a person after living with them for a few weeks. Throughout the year, you'll see each other naked, possibly inebriated, or indulging in an embarrassing habit, so it'll be better to break the ice early.
2. YOU HAVE TO WORK TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER.
Just because you live together doesn't mean you spend time together. My roommate and I have gone days without speaking out of circumstance; don't assume that living together counts as quality time.
3. YOU'LL BE SURPRISED HOW MUCH TRASH YOU ACCUMULATE.
LITERALLY SO MUCH TRASH. Like, I don't know how two women could have five bags of trash. I honestly never thought we would make that much, but when you eat out every other night, something's got give.
4. IT SEEMS LIKE YOU'RE THE ONE DOING EVERYTHING.
Even though you guys will try to make a chore chart or take turns, since chores and grocery shopping comes up every week, it always seems like you're always doing it. Best advice? Do it together, even though it sucks.
5. NO MATTER WHAT ANYONE SAYS, WRITE THE RULES DOWN!
Even though it may be awkward, actually sit down with your RA (or just a witness, lol) and talk to each other about sleep schedules, habits, chores, guests, etc. and get an idea of what you guys are comfortable with. It saves a lot of arguments in the long run
6. GET USED TO SLEEP SCHEDULES.
Find out when you guys sleep. My roommate turns off the light relatively early, so if I know I'm staying out late, I have to be quiet coming in. If you know that your roommate has class early, do not...I REPEAT, DO NOT WAKE THE BEAST.
7. BE CONSIDERATE, NOT A PUSHOVER.
Some battles don't need to be fought, but don't let someone take advantage of you. That is all.
8. DON'T LET ARGUMENTS GET THE BEST OF YOU.
'Nuff said. Some things aren't worth it.
9. TRY TO MAKE A TRIP TO THE RA THE LAST RESORT.
Literally so inconsiderate to go to the RA without talking to your roommate first. Now, if your roommate isn't willing to listen...that's another story.
10. ESTABLISH WHAT IS COMMUNAL AND WHAT IS YOURS.
Before you stab your roommate for crossing an arbitrary line that they didn't know existed, establish boundaries. Saves heartache.
11. HAVE FUN TOGETHER.
Make the most out of this experience. Go to crazy parties that get shut down by 12:00. Pull all-nighters in the library. Find a mutual enemy to destroy. If it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be. But go have some fun and make some crazy memories together before you part.
