If you're moving out of your family's house for the first time, whether you're getting an apartment or off to college to experience dorm life, odds are likely that you will have a roommate or two. Because you're not living with people who have known you for your whole life, it is important to take some things into consideration when starting on this journey.
1. Get to know each other.
This might sound simple, but it's surprisingly easy to get around this step. Getting to know each other just a little at the very beginning can avoid awkwardness later. Find out how much their family might be visiting them, if at all, and talk about where they work and what their normal schedule is. Share your information with them. Phone numbers are important. You don't have to find out what all of their likes and dislikes are, but the basics are good to know when living with someone.
2. Remember the Golden Rule.
Treat your roommate the way you would like to be treated. This includes turning down your Norwegian Black Metal while they are sleeping so that you can sleep in turn. Also, remember to speak courteously and ask before using anything of theirs. You wouldn't want to wake up to find your Raisin Bran gone without any knowledge of its disappearance.
3. Keep your mess in your bedroom.
If you're sharing a house or apartment with other people, it's important to keep shared spaces clear of personal clutter. While some shoes by the door might be okay, try to keep anything you aren't using and is your personal item in your room. Don't leave your clean laundry in the living room or leave your textbooks on the coffee table.
When living in a dorm, this tends to be a little different, as you often share a bedroom with your roommates. Try to keep your clutter on your side of the room. It's easy to annoy roommates by leaving your things in the little personal space that they have. Try to keep your school supplies on your own desk, and your dirty socks all in a pile at the end of your bed.
4. Agree on a cleaning regimen.
It's easy to forget that you're not living in your family's house anymore. Some people were raised cleaning up their own messes, and some were not. Talk to your roommate and figure out whose job it is to vacuum or sweep, clean the bathroom or sink and how you will tackle the dirty dishes. Many people choose to do a rotating basis on shared spaces, but it is really up to the people doing the work. Just remember to actually clean! Places get dirty faster than one would think.
5. Don't be passive-aggressive.
It might be tempting to leave a passive aggressive note on the whiteboard about something that needs to be cleaned, but it is always better to be direct. Passive aggression increases tension between people. Avoid having to deal with added stress after coming home from a long day of classes or work. Be respectful and ask your roommate to do what needs to be done.
6. Be compassionate.
Everyone has moments where they forget to do their dishes or doesn't realize that you are trying to get an important paper done. Getting angry is one way to solve the issue, but it will result in more stress for everyone. Remain calm and know that someday, they will forgive you for leaving your winter coat on the couch. Compassion is the true key to peace, and sometimes that is the thing that gets roommates through living with each other.
