Many college students want to experience living out on their own, getting away from everyone back at home, and just having time to learn about themselves. I can highly relate to this, but I ask myself every day, is it all worth it? I took out those dreaded student loans, I signed my life away on my leases, I worked my summer away before moving out just to make sure I would have some money saved up - all just to get the 'college experience'.

And even better, I have to share an apartment with people I don't even know. After living with random roommates for 4 months, here is what I have learned:

1. Don't be petty about the little things.

Life is too short to be concerned with who did or didn't do what.

2. Simply take out the trash when needed.

Don't bicker about whose turn it is to take it out. Who cares? In a week you won't remember who took it out last.

3. Don't judge.

Realize that you and your roommates were probably raised differently. Don't judge on how they do certain things. Try to learn from them.

4. Talk one of your roommates into becoming a vegan/vegetarian.

They will buy food that you don't want to eat and better yet, they won't eat your food. :-)

5. Sharing is caring.

When it comes to my things, sometimes I think I should be the only one allowed to use them, but don't be hostile. If you use a significant amount of something of theirs, you should buy them more and vice versa.

6. Everyone and I mean EVERYONE should pitch in on cleaning.

Throw away your trash and clean up your mess. I promise if you have neat freak roommates (I am one of them) they will appreciate you doing your part.

7. Simply be nice and considerate.

Don't take each other's things without asking (why would you do that anyway?) and don't be loud when someone is trying to sleep - common knowledge.

8. Don't get annoyed with their pet.

If one of your roommates has a pet - don't get annoyed with it. More than likely you said you would live with a pet so instead of hating it, try to help out on teaching it to not do the things you don't like it doing. (Like jumping up on the counters in the kitchen.)

9. Don't get mad when your roommates hang out without you.

We aren't in high school anymore bud. I am positive you have 167 more important things to be concerned about other than who invited who.

10. Lastly, have fun.

Do things you wouldn't do if you were at home, go on adventures, stay up late, and obviously, eat all the Mexican food you can possibly handle.

Yes, I do believe all the hard work/time/money I have gone through dealing with random roommates just to have the 'college experience' is most definitely worth it. It has taught me to be more patient with people, to lighten up a bit and to simply enjoy the time I have here. I have also learned that vegan food is gross.