If you are like me, going into college, you have no experience with having a roommate. I didn't even share a room with a sibling. So I hope this post will help some future students.
- Don't Touch Their Stuff
- There is something to be said about "your side of the room." Don't assume that you are instantly best friends with your roommate, and that you can take or borrow their stuff and they won't mind.
- Keep Your Stuff Clean
- This isn't always going to be reciprocated, but if you keep your stuff clean, you'll lower the risk of having problems. Plus it keeps reminding them that they are messy.
- Set Ground Rules
- This is something that needs to be done in the first few days. Establish things like cleaning, time limits on having friends in the room or talking on phone, and discuss the possibility of bringing significant others to the room.
- When Things Go South
- When you do have issues with your roommate, talk to them. That should always be your first step. Don't gossip to your friends about it, this has a way of getting back to your roommate and can make things awkward. (I heard from someone that my old roommate didn't like me, it made first quarter really uncomfortable). If talking to them doesn't do anything, talk to your RA. That's why they are there, but make sure it's within reason. Don't bang on your RA's door at 3 am because your roommate left her towel on your side of the room again. The RA's are students too, they need their sleep and sanity just like you.
- Spend Time Out Of Your Room
- This solves a multitude of problems. Don't eat every meal with your new roommate, don't follow them around with their friends all the day, don't constantly be there. Get out, make your own friends, have experiences without your roommate.
-Lauren Steele
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