Problem: Your roommates are taking advantage of your handling the bills each month. “I would let them know about bills due a week or so in advance, and they would pay whenever it was convenient for them,” said Ashley Baughman, sophomore at The Ohio State University. “Obviously, this wasn't really fair for me since it was coming from my checking account, and I was paying for every bill out of my wallet ahead of time.”
Solution: If you’re friends with your roommates, it can be easy for them to say they’ll pay you back later, and then you never get reimbursed. First, make your roommates aware that you are keeping track of the money paid and that they owe you. Next, explain to them that if things don’t change, you’ll be contacting your landlord and having him receive payments from your roommates directly so you avoid being the middleman.
Problem: You and your roommate started off great, but now things aren’t going so well and she’s acting distant.
“We seemed like we were going to be BFFs until she completely shut me out and wouldn’t even talk to me when I walked in the room and said hello,” said Meredith.
Solution: Although it can be awkward, Alyse recommends getting everything out in the open. Reach out to her when you know she’s not busy and ask if you’ve done anything to upset her, or what else might be bothering her. Try not to be too intrusive, because she might get defensive and accuse you of prying. Instead, let her know that you want to maintain a friendly relationship above all.
Problem: Your roommates are starting to use everything you spent your hard earned cash on for themselves, and it’s getting excessive.
Bryanne Sagers, a sophomore at Ohio University said, “My roommates always use my bathroom products, like my shampoo, shaving cream, and facewash, until they’re empty, and never offer to pay me back.”
Solution: Girls can be notorious for overusing beauty products and not realizing it. Take your products out of the bathroom and into your bedroom, somewhere you know your roommates will have to ask you to find. Then, when they ask where something is, use that opportunity to explain to them you feel like everyone is abusing your generosity, and you were worried the product might run out before you got your money’s worth out of it. Your roommates will get the hint and back off, or offer you money to keep using your favorite brand of shampoo.
Sources
Alyse Lamparyk, Ohio University RA
College women from across the country
