It’s that time of the year again. Some of us have been roommates before. For others of us, we’ve never had to share a small space with another person. Nobody is perfect and we all have our faults, but some things are 100% avoidable. I’ve decided to share just a few things I think will make everyone’s roommate experience better – whether you are moving in with your significant other or heading for that cold, dingy dorm, here are some things I’ve learned to do and not to do as a roommate.

Do Not: let the trash pile up.

At my school, there are dumpsters not 20 feet from all the dorms. You even have to walk by a few to get to the main student parking lot. There is no excuse to have nine bags of garbage piled by the door. Ever. Unless your name is Sarah Silvia Cynthia Stout, in which case you do you.

Do: let your roommate know when you won’t be home.

Whether you are going to visit family for the weekend or just plan on being out late with some friends, a quick heads-up text or note on the mirror is common courtesy. You might think it’s none of your roommate’s business, but a couple word text could help fend off a lot of worrying if they find you’re not in bed at 4am.

Do: know your roommate’s class/work schedule.

I have found that if you have a desk or wall calendar that your roomie can look at, it makes it easier. If they can see you have an 8am math lecture, they (hopefully) will be a good person and not be up until two in the morning with all the lights on and music or Netflix on full volume.

Do Not: stay up late when you know your roommate has class/work early the next day.

I get it. Sometimes you have a paper due the next day that you haven’t started. Sometimes you have to cram for a big test. The best part about a college campus is the study spaces. Don’t sit at your desk until the wee hours of the morning. Go to the library, the student center, or even the lobby or common space in your building. Let your roomie sleep.

Do: be mindful.

You never know if your roommate has an allergy or sensitivity to something. Some people are sensitive to smells. Some people - like me – have sensitive skin. To avoid these kinds of problems, just talk to your roomie and figure out what they have problems with.

I highly suggest sitting down with your roommate and talking through everything. Maybe get some coffee and talk about boundaries, room rules, and things you have problems with. If you sleep with a fan on every night, talk to your roommate about it. If you want to have a Scentsy in your room, make sure your roommate is okay with that. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Get separate wall or desk calendars so you know each other’s schedules. Be courteous, and above all, enjoy your time together.