5 Tips for Living With a College Roommate

Starting college is a whirlwind of excitement, and one of the biggest changes is sharing your living space with a roommate. It’s a unique experience that can lead to lifelong friendships or raise some red flags depending on how it’s handled. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back! Navigating this new experience smoothly is all about communication, compromise and respect. Follow these five tips for living with a college roommate to create a harmonious living environment where you both can thrive.

Tip 1: Keep it Real 🗣

Getting to know someone new might feel a little awkward at first, but it is good to start by finding the things you have in common and just having a conversation. Once the ice has been broken, you can set some expectations on how to interact if issues arise:

○ Communicate: Always keep the lines open. Share thoughts, feelings and concerns.
○ Set Boundaries and Honest Expectations: Lay down some rules from the get-go and be respectful of each other’s needs.
○ Address Issues Immediately: Handle problems before they grow.

Tip 2: Swap Info 📱

Make sure you can get in contact with your roommate and know when they are available. Make sure you:

○ Exchange Info: Get each other’s contact details and emergency info.
○ Know Each Other’s Schedules: Sync up on class times, study sessions and sleep patterns.

Tip 3: Vibes Matter ✌

Creating an amicable living situation is key to creating a space where both of you feel comfortable and at home. As you embrace your new space, keep these things in mind:

○ Don’t Feel Like You Have to Spend All Your Time Together: It’s okay to have separate lives.
○ Compromise on Living Styles: Find a middle ground for habits and preferences.
○ Be Considerate of Noise Levels and Alarms: Respect each other’s need for peace and quiet.
○ Agree on How to Handle Visitors and Significant Others: Set ground rules for guests.

Tip 4: A Tidy Space Keeps the Peace 🧼

The way you treat the space you live in says so much about how you treat other people. Now that you are living with someone, remember:

○ Keep Your Room Clean: A well-kept room can give you life.
○ Keep it Fresh: Be mindful of shared spaces and keep good bathroom habits from cleaning to managing smells.

Tip 5: Quality Hangs 🫶

Perhaps the best part of having a roommate is making a new friend. Living together does have its fair share of ups and downs, but you could end up with a friend who is more like fam:

○ Have Fun Getting to Know Each Other: Plan activities and hangouts to build a strong bond.
○ Keep an Open Ear: Make sure you take the time to listen to your roommate during good times and ones that might be difficult.

The Golden Rule

Out of all the advice you could receive about living with a roommate, being your true self is the most valuable. Involving your residential advisor to mediate when you both just need another perspective can always come in handy. Some colleges may even have a roommate agreement you can sign that addresses various roommate topics from cleaning responsibilities and lights-out schedules to visitor policies. Remember, it’s important to be open and honest and create a space where you both feel like you can be yourselves.

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