We've all been there we have roommates we either don't get along with or they're straight up the worst. Well in the past year and a half I have had 5 different bad roommates, so here are a couple tips and tricks I've learned to make life in an apartment with bad roommates just a little more bearable.
Start off with niceties.
This one seems obvious but If you're going with random roommates (if you can avoid this I would it hasn't ended up well for me yet) be sure to be the best version of you when meeting them getting set on a good foot could set the tone of your home for the whole year, I'm not telling you to become immediate best friends with a stranger but, a simple smile in the kitchen and a wave when they walk out the door can mean a world of difference.
Set Ground Rules
Make sure you set what you want in your home from the start. If you don't want people over after a certain time or you don't want dirty dishes and trash all around make sure it's known and know your roommates limits. Each person is different be aware of this and if your roommate likes her living space extremely clean (hi it me) respect that and try your best to keep your part of the deal. This will prevent future conflicts if you know what to expect upfront.
Communication is KEY
This is probably one of the most important ones! Believe me when I say you want to communicate with your roommate but make sure it's done in the right way. I've had two extremes my old roommate sent me agressive texts constantly, ruining my day in the process, and my current roommate has blocked my phone number and only "communicates" with me through calling the office. AVOID THIS! Your life will be so much less stressful if you just make sure you say what needs to be said in a nice and kind way. You have to live together so why not try to make things pleasant. Stray away from passive agressive notes because they can be perceived wrong.
Make Your Room Home
So you've done all of the above and your roommates just not getting it? Well it happens but you still have to live in this apartment for another couple months at least. Even if your roommate is the worst they never have to enter your own room. Make this your safe haven, decorate your room with things that make you feel comfortable and happy so even if you have to spend most of your time at home in this one room you're super okay with it.
Candles Are Your Best Friend
Sometimes you can't control what smells are going to flow through your living room but you can control the smell in your room. Trash, dishes, fridges, and your roommates room can smell and while you can try your best to clean it sometimes your roommate is going to come in and undo everything you have just done. Having candles to get rid of any bad smells that go through your home can make your room smell great plus add a nice comforting light to your home.
Stand Your Ground
You might not get along with your roommate but that doesn't mean you have to lie down and take it, this is a mistake I've made far too many times. If you don't have space in the fridge or a place to decorate the living room make sure you get it. You have to live here to and you don't want to feel unwelcome in your own home. Remember though to avoid further conflict keep it nice keep it cordial and get your needs taken care of.
Focus on the Positive
Finally even if life in your apartment seems awful remember that this is only temporary. Spend time with friends. Remember that your whole life is not in the apartment, I can garuntee if your roommate is being awful they will be there for you for a shoulder to lean on. If life in your apartment gets too stressful get out, go to get food or spend time with friends clear your mind of that negative energy.
Roommates can really suck but I promise you can do it and things will get better even if it takes a while.
