Whether it's your first year of college or your last, you no doubt have some worries about sharing your space with one, or more, other people. It can be tough to make the transition between your own cozy home to campus living, but having a sturdy relationship with your roommate(s) will make it so much easier.
1. Get in touch with them before move in day.
Whether it's a total stranger or your bestie since orientation, make sure you two are on the same page for move in day. There's no need to bring double of things like fridges and microwaves, so be sure to discuss who will bring what and what you're willing to share.
2. Talk about a roommate agreement.
Some things to discuss: visiting hours in your room, things you're willing to share, your preferred sleeping schedule, bonding time. Remember to be flexible, but let your roomie know in advance if her light on at 3:00 AM will disturb your sleep.
Just don't be as harsh as Sheldon.
3. Let them know when you're having people over.
This rule might be more flexible in a suite or apartment, but in a small dorm room it is super important. Your roomie doesn't want to be surprised by a crowd when all they want to do is shower and sleep.
See Sheldon? He does not look happy.
4. Don't eat your roommate's food unless you're willing to share or without permission.
My roommate and I definitely shared our food, but we told each other what we ate and made an effort to replace it, or share our own food.
Don't eat your roommate's food, and you'll never look as guilty and suspicious as Sheldon does here.
5. Clean up your mess.
Don't leave all your clothes on the floor all the time, wash your dirty dishes, and take out the garbage. Your roommate will forgive you if you forget every once in a while, but not if you forget every day.
6. Spend some time together.
Eat a meal together, watch a movie, or just spend some time together cleaning the room. If you never spend any time together, how will you communicate?
7. Give each other space
We all need alone time, so make sure you spend enough time away from your room that your roommate has some of it.
Make like Leonard and go out that door.
8. Be sensitive to their feelings.
If they're having a rough day, ask if you can help. If they want to gush about the cool guy/girl they just met, let them for five minutes. Just pay attention.
9. Don't trash talk them.
If you're really not getting along, don't tell all your friends about it. Talk to your mom if you need to vent and talk to your RA if you need some tips on how to solve the problem.
10. Be yourself.
It's the best way to get along with both new and old friends.
Leonard still loves him.
