College is a glorious time filled with a lot of new, first experiences. For most freshmen, especially girls, a huge concern is sharing a living space with someone for the first time ever. I, however, have had a roommate my entire life. My twin and I have gotten used to the weekend pileup of dirty clothes in our room and the late night sneak in prance while one of us is asleep. Although I knew I had mastered these key characteristics of living with someone else, I knew that I had mastered them with my twin exclusively. What would it be like to suddenly change a main variable in this equation?

Needless to say, I was nervous while searching for a roommate. She had to be someone I could see myself talking to late at night and happy to see when I get home from a long day. I spoke to girl after girl, and was convinced that the person I'm meant to room with was just going to be my twin. That's when I met Leah.

Leah was everything I envisioned: easygoing, fun to talk to, and really nice. I knew the second we met that I could see myself living with her. One school year and two living situations later, I'm still glad that I met Leah. She's been the perfect roommate throughout all my dirtiest and most stressful college moments. She's not just a roommate, she's my best friend. She made the process a lot less daunting.

Obviously, Leah and I have a special relationship that is far more than sharing a living space, but even if you just want a tolerable roommate situation:

1. Always try to stick to your side of the room

The room is meant to be shared, that's for sure. However, it is easier for you and your roommate to designate a clear line between what is "yours" and what is "theirs". This makes cleaning up so much simpler, and it your space can start to feel more like "yours".

2. Always ask before borrowing their things

I hope this goes without saying. How would you feel if you saw your roommate walking around campus in the sweater you never got the chance to wear? Asking is so easy, just do it.

3. It is never an issue to clean up without them having to ask you

There will be piles that grow on top of your already created piles left on "that chair" or simply on the ground in the middle of your floor. Take the time in between class, before bed, after you shower, or whenever you feel like you cannot stand looking at this pile anymore to just put each piece back to where they were.

Try going into freshman year thinking your roommate will be your best friend rather than just someone you share a room with, it will make you value one another more, and living together will be easier!