Your first year living on a college campus, you will either room with people you love or people you can't stand. There is no in between. (And if you say there is, please come find me and explain to me how this miracle happened).

If you room with people you love, chances are you have your best friends for the rest of your college experience. If you room with people you could do without, chances are you're going to be jaded for the rest of the year and this will affect your rooming situation for the next few years.

HOWEVER. Let me let those of you who have a terrible roommate experience in on a little secret...

Often, by being a good roommate yourself, you're able to improve the living conditions for everyone. And while rising above can be very difficult, especially when your roommates are awful or hate your guts, it will be a huge benefit for everyone in the room and may even help you come to a peaceful middle ground.

And so, let me share with you 10 tips on how to be an AMAZING roommate, even if your roommates aren't.

1. Clean up after yourself.

This seems so obvious, but it's SO crucial to maintaining good relationships with your roommates. If you're a complete slob who leaves hair all over the shower wall, makeup all over the sink or clothes all over the floor, nobody is going to want to be nice to you. Be respectful and clean up your junk.

2. Always greet your roommates with a smile.

Even if you think (or know) they hate you, still greet your roommates in a happy mood. Seeing someone smile at you automatically lowers the walls and makes you more inclined to be friendly back. You don't have to get into a whole "how was your day" conversation, but just smiling and saying "hey" can work wonders.

3. Don't let your laundry get excessive.

Laundry. Cannot. Only. Be. Done. When. You. Go. Home. Sorry, just felt like that needed to be stated because some people still don't understand this concept. When your laundry piles up, it just gets cluttered and the room smells bad and your roommates will definitely not appreciate that.

We all know you'd prefer pretending like that humongous pile of clothes next to your bed doesn't exist, but honey that's just not realistic. Get it done.

4. Do your part when it comes to re-stocking.

There's nothing more aggravating than being the only person in the dorm who re-stocks on basic supplies (like soap, toilet paper, trash bags, you catch my drift). If you see that there's no more toilet paper and your roommates have already bought bathroom necessities, DO NOT be that person who just uses napkins until somebody finally buys some. Go get it yourself.

5. You don't have to be best friends, but be willing to listen.

If you can tell your roommate is having a hard time with something like schoolwork or relationship problems, be willing to let them vent to you about it. Sometimes, all people need is to have a good talk with someone and your roommate might not have anyone else to do this with. Just be willing to open up your ears and give them a few tissues.

6. Offer to help them out with small tasks.

Even if you've already done your share of cleaning in the dorm, still be a decent person by offering to do something that needs to be done. Yes, this means taking out the mountains of trash and doing the dishes that have been piling up for weeks. Even doing one of these simple things can make a huge difference and will definitely make your roommate appreciate you.

7. Don't be loud and annoying.

People who love to blast their music and facetime their friends while their roommates are trying to do homework... yes I am talking to you. Don't be that person who's constantly loud and annoying and doesn't think about others. Remind yourself that you are living with other people besides just yourself and they have eardrums.

8. Be considerate of their sleep schedules and the amount of time they need to get ready.

If you know your roommate has a 7 AM and they have to be in bed by 10 to get those eight hours in, don't bring your friends into the room and start laughing at midnight. If your roommate is a makeup guru who *NEEDS* at least 2 hours to get ready in the mornings, figure out a way so you can get ready at the same time or decide who uses the bathroom at what times each day. This sounds excessive, but believe me, you will thank me later.

9. Share with them when you bring back homemade cookies.

Come on, everybody loves homemade cookies you bring from your mom's kitchen. Be a great roommate by being willing to share goodies or small stuff like this with your roommates. I guarantee, they will love you for it (especially if the cookies are chocolate chip).

10. Be nice when they're having a rough day.

You can tell when your roommate is sad or frustrated about something. Just don't pick THAT day to start an argument on who needs to do the dishes or push their buttons.

Even if you're annoyed with them, be considerate of their feelings and be nice to them when they're having a rough day. Maybe even bring them chocolate. (Roommate of the year winner, right there).

Basically, this can all be summed up in one sentence: treat your roommates how you want them to treat you. :) BAM! Okay, now go be awesome roommates.