Let’s face it. Not everyone is bound to get along with their roommate. For some people, coming to college is their first experience of having to share a room with someone. You regularly see this person daily, so it is preferred that you guys get along. Here are some different types of roommates that you may encounter and some tips on how to handle any problems that may come along this year.
1. The Slob:
Just imagine it now. You walk in your room, and you look over at your roommate’s side, and you see a pile of dirty clothes on the floor, an overflowing pile of trash, and the same pizza box from two weeks ago. Even if you are not a clean freak, you do appreciate your room to be somewhat decent. The best way to deal with this situation is, to be honest. Tell your roommate why you want to have a clean space i.e., to avoid bugs. Think about suggesting that both of you set up a cleaning schedule.
2.The Hermit:
This type of roommate never leaves the room. Ever. You may ask yourself when was the last time you saw them leave their bed. Don’t assume that they want to stay inside all the time. Some people have a hard time putting themselves out there and need someone to push them outside of their comfort zone. Take this as an opportunity to invite them out to watch that new movie that just came out or out to dinner. This is a great chance to bond and get to learn more about one another.
3.The Party Animal:
At this point, your room is not just a place where you go to sleep. Your room has turned into the ultimate party/hangout spot. Your roommate manages to invite everyone and everybody you can imagine in your living quarters. Managing to come back with a group of friends after a night out. It’s fine to have people over once in a while. Yet, you would like to have some say when people can come over. One solution is to create a schedule with your roommate. Maybe she can have people over while you are in classes and vice versa. This way, you’ll find some peace when you get back to your room without having to worry about the unwanted company.
4.The One with the Significant Other:
Do you always feel like the third wheel in your own living space? This type of roommate continually has their significant other over all of the time. Seriously. At this point, they make you feel like you’re the one intruding on them. The best way to deal with this scenario is to be upfront. Tell your roommate that you feel uncomfortable.
5.The Mooch:
Although sharing is caring, it can get annoying if your roommate always assumes that what’s yours is hers. This roommate likes to eat your snacks, borrow your clothes, and use your makeup. The worst part about this is that they do all of this without asking you first. To avoid this from happening, tell your roommate to text you first to see if it is okay for them to borrow or use certain things. Also, let them know right away what things are okay for them to use and what is off-limits.
There are all different types of roommates. Living with others can come with both positive and negative experiences. It taught me a lot about myself and showed me how to solve conflicts in a peaceful manner. Just remember to try to make the best out of your situation. The most important thing when it comes to sharing a living space with someone is to set boundaries and communicate with one another. If there is an open line of communication and you both respect one another, then you are set to have a great year!