At the beginning of the school year, students are faced with immense pressure to figure out all of the ‘unknowns’, from classes, to clubs, to summer jobs and opportunities abroad. One of the most difficult things to plan is where to live the following year. Finding housing can be stressful, but securing a house early in the Fall is key to ensuring a great living situation for you and your friends. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
Collect your crew.
Having good roommates is crucial to maximizing your happiness at home. Make sure your roommates are compatible with you and your living style. Even if you’re already friends, ask them about their cleanliness, social habits, and sleep schedule before moving in. Even if you don’t think you’ll spend much time at home, you’ll want your roommates to bring you peace rather than add to your stress.
Maintain close communication.
Everyone wants to feel comfortable and respected at home, so it’s important to communicate with your roommates. It’s understandable that some roommates will be messier than others, but make sure you still hold people accountable around the house. Being aware of each other’s schedules is a benefit, because it’s useful to know who is at home and when. Also, it’s considerate to ask your roommates about having guests over, especially if those guests are staying overnight. Communication is key to keeping everyone on the same page.
Divide and conquer.
From my experiences, I’ve found that it’s easiest to divide and conquer when it comes to necessary tasks. Along with splitting up chores, fairly splitting groceries or other household purchases is a good way to keep a peaceful, clean, plentiful home. When moving in, it’s best to have each roommate bring a few things so no items get forgotten or repeatedly purchased.
Design your vibe.
One of the best ways to make your home feel like your own is to decorate it. The aesthetic of a room reflects the personalities of the people who live in it. When you live with all your friends, it’s really cool to spend time in a space that represents your combined tastes.
Ask for help.
Don’t be too proud to ask for help from those around you, especially your parents. Off-campus living is a much bigger responsibility than supervised living. Your parents can offer great advice as both experienced homeowners and support systems. If you ever run into issues with your home during the year, there are several services available to you locally, so don’t be afraid to reach out.
Most importantly, use your space as much as you can! You’ll want to look back at college and reflect on all the amazing memories you and your friends made together in a place you could call your own, so don’t waste it.