You Don't Have To Be Best Friends With Your Roommate
Start writing a post
Student Life

You Don't Have To Be Best Friends With Your Roommate

I promise, you're not the only one!

750
You Don't Have To Be Best Friends With Your Roommate
Teen Vogue

If you're currently a college student, or once were a college student, you know one of the many struggles that you have to face is sharing a room with another person. That idea can make your stress level sky rocket, especially if you decide to be assigned a random roommate. And so, you panic.

My advice to you? Please don't panic!

Life is all about taking risks... you'll never know how things will go until you try! The same applies for this scenario. A numerous amount of students I've talked to at my university seemed to be attached at the hip to their roommate since day one, or at least stay good friends years later. Think about it. That could very well be you!

Other times, people may not click with their roommate instantly, even if you've tried your hardest to befriend them. That's alright too!

Trust me, it's rough for both parties. Being crammed in a single room can already call for agitation. One roommate may have a different definition of a comfortable living space than you do, or come from a different background. However, if there's one thing I've learned from living with my roommate, it's that you don't have to be BFFs to make living together perfect. Rather, the key to living civilly only requires respect and good communication skills.

Seriously, even if you're not particularly partial to your roommate, you still need to respect them. Expressing that can be as easy as asking for permission if you need to touch their stuff, asking to have people over in advance, or keeping the noise down while they're trying to rest.

If something is on your chest, don't be afraid to let them know how you feel! You want to prevent things from blowing way out of proportion, and for your room to be a safe space for both of you. They aren't mind readers; the only way they're going to know how you feel is by telling them. And don't do it over a text. You'll get your problems resolved much quicker by just going to them directly, and prevent any unnecessary miscommunication.

Lastly, you two need to work together as a team to maintain the household! Don't expect one person to do all the work. Would you want someone to do that to you? Set up a system. Make a weekly list of chores (split up equally, of course!) with who's responsible for what. You'll not only get everything you'd like to get done in half the time, but you'll feel satisfied knowing that you have a clean and organized home to go to. You may also have something to bond over!

If all of this fails, don't be discouraged. Sometimes, it's just not meant to be, and it's out of your control. Speak with your RA. You don't sign the roommate agreement without a reason. It's meant to be enforced and ensure your ultimate satisfaction!

As much as you may want the first person you meet in college to be a good friend, it's not something to worry about. College is all about not only finding yourself, but meeting people who suit your personality, and you're bound to find them over the course of four years. And perhaps in that time, you'll find a friend, and a potential roommate too!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

87289
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

53494
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments