Roommates. You cannot escape them. Whether you go to college or not, chances are you will be sharing your living space with someone, whether it be a spouse, friend or complete stranger. Living with another person can be strange at first especially if you have always lived in your own room by yourself. You have to learn how to take into consideration another person's needs.
During my freshman year of college, I had three different roommates. However, despite some horror stories you might hear from other people, my roommates and I all parted on good terms. I am still incredibly close with all three of the roommates I had. When living with another person, it is not just about being friends with that person, although it helps. Having lived with three completely different people all with different personalities, I have come up with some basic guidelines you should follow if you have a roommate (these can also apply to your suitemates).
1. When you first move in together you need to set some ground rules.
There is nothing worse than miscommunication or the lack of communication. You and your roommate need to sit down and talk through the following scenarios along with anything else you think you and your roommate might need to compromise on:
- What time do you wake up? What time do you go to sleep?
- When is it appropriate to have guests over? Should we ask each other before having guests over?
- Are we going to leave the door locked or unlocked? Can we borrow each other's clothes, movies, supplies, food, etc. without asking, or do we need to ask before borrowing or using anything?
2. ALWAYS have your key with you.
It does not matter if you and your roommate are going to dinner together and plan on walking back to the dorm together. Plans can change so you need to make sure you always have your key with you. It could save you from having to wait on your Resident Assistant to get out of class and come unlock your room.
3. If you are leaving campus to get food, ask if your roommate or suitemates want food too.
A roommate with a full belly is a happy roommate. Also, if you ask your roommate and suitemates if they want food, chances are the next time they leave campus to get food they will return the favor. This act of courtesy also should be evoked if you are planning on going to Walmart or Dollar General.
4. Communicate.
If something is bothering you about your roommate or suitemate, talk to them about it. Do not tell all your other friends about your problems. That is how you can take an issue as small as leaving socks everywhere and turn it into wanting to move to a different room. In order to have any healthy relationship, you need to have clear communication.
5. Enjoy your time with your roommates and suitemates.
These friends will be some of the first friends you have on your college campus. Even if you do not stay roommates or suite mates, you will always stay friends.
