The first thing that stresses you out when you start college is if you and your roommate will get along. Most people have nothing to worry about, however, not everyone is compatible to live together. Here's a few things you should keep in mind when you move in next fall.
1. Boundaries.
Everyone has them. Even if it seems like you can do whatever you want in your room you have to remember that this other person lives here too and has boundaries of what is and what isn't acceptable. You might have come from a pretty open household, but trust me when I say a lot of other people haven't, so if you're used to sitting in your underwear watching the new season of whatever Netflix show you like, you should probably rethink that.
2. Property.
Even if you and your roommate seem to be getting along fine, still ask. Even if it's just their mirror. Some people are sticklers over what you can and cannot use, and it's better safe than sorry. This also applies to food. Don't eat what's not yours unless they say it's okay. To keep this from being a problem, you can always delegate a part of your room as the safe zone, where anything is free game for whoever needs it.
3. Chores.
TAKE OUT THE TRASH. You live there too! Do not make your roommate the only person who takes it out. It gets old real fast. Also, don't put your trash in the bathroom. That's just rude. No one is your mother here, so you need to step up and take care of your own stuff. Which also includes laundry. If you don't know how to do your own laundry, you should make that a priority this summer.
4. Space.
If you had your own room growing up, you're probably used to spreading out and taking up all the space in the room. Don't do that. Half of the room is yours and the other half is theirs. Try and at least keep your stuff on your side. If you and your roommate are okay with spreading out into each other's space that's great, but keep in mind they might not want everything you own scattered everywhere.
5. Communication.
This ones the big one. COMMUNICATE. If something bothers you, tell them! Chances are something is bothering them too! Once the door for communication is open, your lives will be so much easier! If you need someone to help you guys keep it from getting heated, talk to your RA. That's their job!
6. Private Time.
If you need the room for something and you don't want your roommate there, 24 hours. Give them 24 hours to find somewhere to go and if it's less than that and they can't find somewhere to be then it looks like you need to reschedule. There's nothing wrong with asking for the room to study or countless other things you'd rather do alone but just remember that it's their room too.
So, when you move in next fall just keep this stuff in the back of your mind so you don't end up with a fight half way through the year.
