Roommates. The one aspect every incoming college freshman fears the most. If you are like me and don’t have the privilege to go into college knowing multiple people, you might ask yourself these questions: Will they like me? What if we don’t get along? Recently, picking a roommate is made much easier by websites that actually match you up with people of similar interests and preferences. On the other hand, what if you are like me, and have to dive head first into the college experience without knowledge of these websites and not knowing anyone…even worse having to be placed in a room with a complete stranger?
Fortunately, my roommate and I met move in day, and after an awkward lunch, we became best friends. Not all of us are as lucky, though. My hometown best friend was one of the not so lucky ones and got stuck with four girls who had no respect for her or her personal items. After talking with her, we compiled a set of tips to help all upcoming freshmen survive their roommate situations.
1) Set rules and boundaries from the beginning.
Don’t find yourself in an argument over something you could have covered on the first day. Make sure you set rules over guests coming over, cleaning, and sharing (extremely important), to prevent future conflicts.
2) Keep your space clean… and hope they will too.
80% of dealing with difficult roommates is being a good one yourself. This is especially vital when you are in a dorm in which forces you and your roommate to share the same bathroom and counter space. The last thing you want is your favorite hand towel ruined from their excessive face powder.
3) Always, always, always ask before you use or borrow anything of theirs, so they have no excuse to not do the same for you.
4) Don’t be passive aggressive.
Talk to your roommate straight up about any issues you have. For example, don’t just wait around and neglect taking out the trash because you ~always~ do it; just nicely ask them to. Roommate responsibilities should be 50/50.
5) Don’t depend on your roommate.
If you luckily become super close friends right off the bat, don’t forget to branch out and make other friends around campus apart from your roommate. College definitely and quickly changes people, and securing your own friendships beyond who you live with will benefit you if you and your roommate drift apart.
6) If you can’t be friends, coexist.
You don’t have to be best buddies with whoever you share a dorm with, but try to be civil. Sometimes it’s for the best.
7) Remember that it’s only temporary.
Most difficulties that occur between roommates are a simple matter. It might feel like a huge deal at the moment, but in reality, there are a lot more important things in college to stress about.
Getting assigned your roommate in college could be one of the scariest and most stressful aspects of an incoming freshman’s college experience. They could make or break your journey through college, by their annoying habits, lack of hygiene, or just personality differences, but try to make the best of the situation at hand. In reality, roommates will be such a small worry in your college career. Remember these tips before first meeting your newly assigned roommate because I promise, your roommate borrowing your shoes without asking really isn’t the end of the world.
