Here are a few things I’ve learned in the few months I’ve lived in a house while in college.

1. There are dishes everywhere

Even if you decide to do everyone’s dishes for them to empty the sink, it probably won’t stay that way for more than five minutes.

2. If something breaks, the house is in chaos

If a toilet breaks or the washing machine or, god forbid, the microwave, the house might be doomed for a while.

3. The basement can be really creepy

Some basements are nice and inviting, but most basements can be really dark and scary. If someone turns the lights off while you’re downstairs, good luck getting away from the demons.

4. More space = more to clean

Trying to clean the entire house yourself can be a huge task, even if your housemates tend to be pretty clean. That’s why it’s a pretty good idea to have a chores list or a rotation on who does what each week. That way, the clutter doesn’t get too bad and neither does the smell.

5. You never know whose turn it is to take the garbage out

Is it Greg’s turn? No, he did it last week… Sarah’s? No, she did it the week before that… Wait, is it my turn?

6. There are secrets everywhere

Sometimes you might find a hidden door or a box full of old photos in a closet, or even a locked room in the basement. Living in a house can be very interesting, and learning its unique quirks can be really fun.

7. LABEL YOUR FOOD

Especially if you have baked goods. Some people are better than others, but when a college student is hungry, there can be fatal consequences (for your leftover pizza, that is).

8. You have a good space for hosting events

Having a house available to you can be really convenient, especially for hosting events or dinner parties. It can be the clean-up afterwards that’s a bit disheartening.

9. Your housemates might not always get along

Sometimes, you might be right in the thick of the tension, and you may have even been the one to start it.

10. But you love them in your own way

Even if someone forgets to take their laundry out of the dryer or refill the toilet paper, you know your housemates will have your back. There’s a reason you all chose to live together, and not everyone is perfect, but this group might just be the closest.