Let’s take it back to freshman year: The year of firsts. The first time leaving home for an extended period of time, the first night class, the first college party. College is also the first time many of us experience what having a roommate entails. Over the past three years, I’ve lived in both dorms and apartments, all with roommates. Here’s my advice to make living with others a time you’ll look back on with fondness.
A True College Experience: Dorm Living
Living in a dorm is a college rite of passage. It can also be one of the most frustrating experiences of your time at school. Space is limited, and with clashing personalities, tensions can (and do) rise easily. Awareness of your surroundings is crucial in a dorm setting. What’s mine is not always yours. You shouldn't assume you can use whatever you want simply because it’s there. I’m sure your roomie is more than willing to share their clothes. All you have to do is ask! Equally important is compromise. It is key to a successful year, friends! If your roommate wants to sleep you shouldn’t be blaring music even if you are a night owl. It could lead to resentment on your roommate’s side and a ruined relationship.
Moving On Up: The Apartment Style Dorm
The positive: more space. The negative: university rules still apply. An apartment style dorm is a step up from your typical freshman room. You’re no longer constantly on top of your roommate. That’s being said, it’s still a shared space so be aware. For the love of everything holy keep your bathroom clean. No one wants to come home to a clogged shower or a sink covered in hair. If you don’t want to dish out more money at the end of the year, you’ll heed my advice. With more space also comes the possibility of inviting friends over. Just remember your friends are your responsibility in your place. If they trash it, you clean it not your roommates.
The “Real” World: Houses for Rent
My parents are paying the rent, but it’s still given me a taste of the post-graduation life. Paying utilities is more than I was doing before! If you are paying utilities, make sure you get your checks to your roommates so they can pay their utilities as well. You’re all depending on one another, so communication is imperative. If you slip up and forget about that cable bill, you can forget about watching Law & Order: SVU tonight.
Living with others teaches you a lot about yourself. Constantly being around other personalities makes you hyperaware of your habits. Whether or not relationships last with your roommates, you’re sure to grow because of them. Hopefully these tidbits will make the process a little smoother.
