Life. It costs a lot. And as college students, we are used to living paycheck-by-paycheck. Rent is a once a month demon that really puts a damper on having a good attitude at the start of every month. Everybody knows it’s easier to live with someone than alone. If you have a roommate, the place may cost more, but everything is split. It really comes in handy when you have a $150 water bill because of a leaky toilet.
There are enough problems with living arrangements on their own, but living with someone else can pose a problem. How are you supposed to pick a person to sign a contract with and share space with? It is hard. I have heard that living with friends can ruin relationships. I am still friends with everyone I have lived with. From my freshman year roommate, to sorority dorm roommate, and now present day, we are all still in contact.
TV shows are books are centered around the topic of living arrangements. From the ever popular "New Girl," "Full House," or "Friends." They all face struggles that come with sharing space, but that comes with it. Even living with your parents or spouse will bring up conflicts. It's a part of human nature.
My current roommate has been so for three years in August 2016. Our time as roommates is coming to a close, and I look back on it and think that we survived living together for three years. With all that time comes even more memories. I have learned a lot from living on my own and even more having roommates. Through the good and the bad times, if you can survive it all, you have one heck of a friendship.
I have thought up what I think are the five most important things to keep in mind when living with a roommate. These are some important things to keep in mind when you have to share your space.
1. Privacy
There is a thing called personal space, and it is very important. Each person has the right to an area in the home where they can always find solace. Your bedroom is your sanctuary, and I know I am very particular about it.
2. Voice
You need to be able to talk to your roommate about anything at any time. Things are going to happen. Toilets will explode and the snowpocalypse will occur; you just have to always be in constant communication. Never be afraid to say how you feel or what is bothering you.
3. Time Management
Always pay your bills on time. This just makes everyone's lives easier. If you don't have to stress about when the Wi-Fi bill is due or who is paying rent, you can focus on something more important, like than five-page paper due tomorrow. Come up with a plan of who pays what and when, and stick to it!
4. Equality
If it’s your mess, clean it up. If you say you’re going to take out the trash, take out the trash. If everyone cleans up after themselves, you don’t have to worry about the other person or their mess. However, their room is their place to make a mess if they want to. They have that right if they want, but if they get maggots, say something. That’s disgusting.
5. Fun
Remember that you are young. This is supposed to be the best time of our lives. Hannah Montana was right, "life is what we make of it." Don't freak out over the little things and always make time for movie nights and bathroom-chilling.
These won't solve a toxic living situation or provide perfect results, but if you really try to make it work, it will. I can say that after three years with my roommate, I will miss not having her a bedroom over. After all, there is no better bond than a roomie bond.
