In my first year of college I have had two roommates, Here are five good traits of a good roommate that I have found.
1. Boundaries are slim to none. You are going to be naked in the same room with this person at least once in the year you are together, please don't make me feel like you need to hide every time you want to change. Also, borrowing things like a pair of scissors or a pencil shouldn't be a formidable offense.
2. Please don't come home late. Coming home at two in the damn morning, every morning is not okay. I have an 8 a.m. class and need my sleep. Also, I feel bad when my alarm goes off at the ungodly hour of 6:45 a.m. when you got home only four hours ago. Please just don't stay out so late.
3. Giving your roommate some space. Me time is important. Both of us can't be in the room all the time, so we both save to come to a compromise as to when we can have some space. Good roommates are good with giving their living partner space to relax and chill out from a long day of classes.
4. Doing stuff together. Look, maybe being "BFFs" with your roommate isn't the plan, but don't leave them out. Do stuff together, go to dinner, hang out in the room, ask them how their day was. You are living together, why not be friends? It's really not hard to be nice. Being strictly roommates isn't very fun for either party.
5. Do favors for each other. Being a decent human being goes a long way. So maybe take the trash out when your roommate is gone, help them do their dishes, and try and help them with some homework. Even the smallest favor can mean a lot. I can't tell you how many times I've gone out and refilled my roommate's water bottle. Helping each other out gives you both something good to do.
These are only five simple things that can help you have a wonderful, drama-free year. Get to know your roommate, don't be annoying, help each other out, and be courteous. Maybe you'll decide to go your separate ways next year, or maybe you might have the same awesome person to room with. It's easier to stick with what you know after all.
Also, a huge shout-out to my roommate from last semester. You are an amazing person, and I hope your summer goes great!
